In an incident straight out of a comedy sketch, Ohio police officers had been left shocked after a routine cease was an unforgettable encounter. Physique digicam footage from the cops captured the second the offender’s raccoon tried smoking from a meth pipe.
The wild footage has since gone viral, and whereas the raccoon might have stolen the highlight, the driving force is now dealing with critical drug costs.
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The Viral Footage Of A Raccoon With a Meth Pipe
On Might 5, Springfield Township law enforcement officials initiated a visitors cease, which started like some other. They pulled over a automobile pushed by 55-year-old Victoria Vidal on South Arlington Highway.
Upon pulling the automobile over, they shortly found Vidal was working it with a suspended license. An extra test revealed an impressive warrant, resulting in her instant arrest.
Nevertheless, when Officer Austin Branham returned to Vidal’s automobile to complete the inspection, issues took a surreal flip. There, within the driver’s seat, was Chewy, Vidal’s pet raccoon with a meth pipe in his mouth.
Within the now-viral physique cam footage, Branham could possibly be heard laughing whereas exclaiming, “The raccoon has her meth pipe! He is enjoying with a meth pipe proper now!”
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Vidal tried to achieve for the meth pipe, however the officer stopped her, revealing that it had change into proof. Branham couldn’t recover from the sight of the raccoon with the meth pipe, and he continued laughing hysterically, saying, “He is attempting to smoke it!”
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Police Uncover Medicine in Vidal’s Automotive
Whereas the video shortly sparked waves of laughter on-line, the state of affairs was something however humorous for the authorities. A subsequent search of Vidal’s automobile revealed a big stash of medication, together with methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and three used glass pipes.
Instantly, officers seized the unlawful substances, and Vidal acquired a number of costs, together with felony drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Alternatively, although the raccoon was seen with a meth pipe, Chewy didn’t seem like below the affect, although his sudden interplay with the article was deeply regarding to officers on the scene. Fortunately, the animal was unhurt.
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Vidal’s Authorized Possession Of The Raccoon
One of many strangest twists was that Vidal was legally allowed to have Chewy in her automobile.
In line with Springfield Township authorities, she had the mandatory documentation to show she was legally possessing the raccoon.
Fox 8 reviews that in Ohio, raccoons and different unique pets like antelopes, alpacas, moose, and so forth., will be saved as pets below state laws if correct permits are acquired.
Nevertheless, animal management officers are reviewing the case to find out whether or not the raccoon will stay in Vidal’s custody. Issues have been raised in regards to the raccoon’s publicity to harmful substances and general dwelling situations.
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Police Hammer On The Gravity Of The Raccoon Meth Pipe Video
Whereas the surprising visitors cease left the web in stitches, officers shortly highlighted the seriousness of the state of affairs.
Springfield Township Police emphasised that irrespective of how humorous the scene might have appeared, it was an actual occasion of drug possession with potential penalties not only for people but additionally for harmless animals.
“Whereas our officers are skilled to count on the sudden, discovering a raccoon holding a meth pipe is a primary! No raccoons had been damage or injured on this incident,” the police division mentioned on Fb.
Blended Reactions Path The Raccoon Meth Pipe Footage
Chewy has change into an unlikely web star in a single day. For the reason that footage went viral, social media has exploded with memes, jokes, and GIFs of the raccoon in motion.
“Chewy for President” and “Raccoon Breaking Unhealthy” are some trending hashtags now circulating.
However even amid the humor, many on-line customers have voiced concern about animal welfare. One particular person commented, “Poor raccoon… he didn’t join this.”
One other shared, “That’s animal abuse, plain and easy.” A 3rd particular person described the state of affairs as “disturbing,” including that they hoped Vidal could be charged with animal cruelty.
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Subsequent Steps For Vidal And Chewy
Accomplice in grime | An Ohio police officer was shocked to find a raccoon clutching a meth pipe after its proprietor was taken into custody. pic.twitter.com/LVvAAH1npV
— 🅽🅴🆁🅳🆈 (@Nerdy_Addict) Might 7, 2025
As for the offender, her authorized troubles are removed from over. She is dealing with felony drug costs, and authorities have revealed that additional costs could also be added pending the outcomes of lab evaluation on the substances recovered.
She was additionally cited for driving below suspension and transferred to the Cuyahoga Falls Police Division to reply for her excellent warrant.
In the meantime, Chewy’s destiny stays unsure. Whereas he has captured viewers’ hearts worldwide, his future will depend on an ongoing assessment by animal welfare officers.
If deemed unfit for Vidal’s care, Chewy could possibly be positioned in a wildlife sanctuary or rehomed to a extra acceptable setting.
For now, the Springfield Township Police Division continues to remind residents to count on the sudden and possibly double-check that their raccoons aren’t packing drug paraphernalia.
