Police in Ohio were surprised to discover a pet raccoon called Chewy with a meth pipe in its mouth during a traffic stop in the town of Springfield.
In a statement, Springfield Township police department said that one of its officers, Austin Branham, made the stop after spotting a vehicle whose owner had an active warrant and a suspended driver’s license.
Branham detained the driver without incident but then returned to the vehicle.
“However, things took an unusual turn,” the police press release said.
“As Officer Branham returned to the vehicle, he observed a raccoon named ‘Chewy’ 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.”
Police then discovered a bulk amount of methamphetamine, some crack cocaine and three used glass meth pipes.
“Thankfully, Chewy the raccoon was unharmed, and notification was made to the proper authorities to determine that [the driver] has the proper paperwork and documentation to own the raccoon,” police said.
The owner of the car and raccoon, Victoria Vidal, 55, is facing several drug charges and has been cited for driving under suspension.
“No raccoons were hurt or injured in this incident,” police added.
