[Popman]

You assume the officer fired up rather than level. It is very possible he was in the rafters trying to kill the snake and fired down.

Either way, shooting a snake with a pistol is not a good idea in a confided space especially if it was not a life threatening situation.

[poobear]

Why not just blow it out of the rafters with a 4/10 and birdshot?

May God help the family of this little boy.