SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW) — Police in Springfield Township had a more than interesting animal encounter this week when they crossed paths with a raccoon holding a meth pipe to its mouth during an arrest.
According to a Facebook post from the department, on the evening of May 5, officers pulled over a vehicle whose owner had an active warrant and a suspended driver’s license.
The driver, 55-year-old Victoria Vidal of Akron, was detained.
But when an officer walked back to Vidal’s vehicle, a raccoon named “Chewy” was sitting in the driver’s seat with a meth pipe in its mouth.
“Chewy had somehow gotten hold of a glass methamphetamine pipe, leading officers to further inspect the vehicle,” the post from the department said.
A search of the vehicle turned up crack cocaine, meth and three used glass meth pipes.
“Thankfully, Chewy the raccoon was unharmed, and notification was made to the proper authorities to determine that she has the proper paperwork and documentation to own the raccoon,” the post continued.
Vidal is facing several drug charges and was cited for driving under suspension.
“While our officers are trained to expect the unexpected, finding a raccoon holding a meth pipe is a first! No raccoons were hurt or injured in this incident. As always, we remain committed to keeping our community safe — no matter what surprises may come our way.”
It is legal to own a raccoon in the state of Ohio with proper paperwork and permits. To learn more about what exotic pets you can own in Ohio, click here.