While searching for two boys for questioning in connection with an attempted-murder and auto-theft investigation yesterday, police unexpectedly found something they weren't looking for — a snake.

Crime Reduction Unit officers from the Kalihi and Pearl City patrol districts working with auto-theft investigators ended up arresting two 16-year-olds in Salt Lake and Halawa and confiscated a 41-inch ball python from an Aliamanu residence on Keaka Drive.

Police spotted the snake in an aquarium-type tank when they stopped at the Keaka Drive home after receiving information that the suspects might be there. The snake was taken to the Pearl City police station and later turned over to state Department of Agriculture officials for investigation and possible prosecution of its owner.

Non-venomous ball pythons, native to central and western Africa, can grow up to six feet and are popular house pets in some states. Importing or keeping snakes is illegal in Hawai'i, and the class C felony is punishable by fines of between $50,000 to $200,000 and/or a maximum prison sentence of three years, said Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Janelle Saneishi.

Police arrested the first of the two youths at a Salt Lake home at 7:15 a.m. The second boy, a runaway, was arrested at a Halawa apartment complex at 7:50 a.m. Both were being held at the Alder Street detention facility pending charges.

The attempted-murder and auto-theft investigation stemmed from an incident Saturday evening at Ala Moana Center in which a stolen Honda repeatedly rammed a patrol cart occupied by two security officers. The security officers were treated for minor injuries at a hospital and released.

Police spokesman Capt. Frank Fujii yesterday said the boy arrested in Salt Lake was the alleged driver of the car. He was booked for investigation of attempted first-degree murder, reckless endangering, driving without a license and auto theft.

The other youth was booked for two auto-theft counts and for being a runaway.

The same pair, along with a 17-year-old runaway boy from Hilo, were arrested in March in Halawa for a series of auto thefts dating back to November 2005. Police at the time said the 16-year-olds were part of a larger group targeting Hondas from 'Aiea to Pearlridge from October to December 2005, a period when there were 108 reported auto thefts and 157 unlawful entries into vehicles in the area.

During the March arrest, the 17-year-old youth broadsided an unmarked police van in fleeing in a car from the scene. He was later arrested.

One of the two 16-year-olds arrested yesterday also was charged in December 2005 with auto theft but later released by Family Court.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.