Here's what I glean from the OP's description. A group of young adults were gathered near the dance area, but not on it. One of them had a pet snake around his neck. The presence of the snake scared the OP. Period.
Posts that attribute malicious intent by the young man are jumping to a conclusion not supported by the description given. If the intent was to "scare the old people" wouldn't it be better for the snake to be carried around the dance area or seats? Since the snake was obviously a pet, why would you think he cares so little that he would allow it to escape and be lost?
Posts that malign the police do them a disservice. If the snake is not prohibited from the area by law or regulation, they have no reason to ask the man to remove it because one or two people express concern about its presence. They are there to enforce the law, not cater to personal likes/dislikes. Now, if the presence of the snake was causing widespread panic, different story.
Do I think it was a smart thing to bring the snake to the square? Nope. But, I sometimes shudder remembering things I did as a teenager or young adult. Do I think it was a dangerous thing to do? Maybe for the snake, but not for the people there.
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