A false report about a venomous snake sighting in Santa Ana sent police and reptile experts searching a neighborhood. The man who reported seeing a Gaboon viper later admitted he made up the story, and police say the photo he provided was generated using artificial intelligence. The report prompted Santa Ana police to issue a public alert and conduct an extensive search near Cypress Avenue, Main Street and Edinger Avenue. No snake was found. Police say the man, identified as Joel Ciprian, could face arrest and a citation for allegedly filing a false report. Investigators are preparing a case for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. A misdemeanor conviction could carry up to a year in jail. The Gaboon viper is highly venomous and native to sub-Saharan Africa. Experts say the image raised questions because the snake appeared in a tree, even though the species typically stays on the ground. Police say the hoax also wasted valuable resources.
