In an incident straight out of a comedy sketch, Ohio police officers have 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 cops initiated a visitors cease, which started like some other. They pulled over a automobile pushed by 55-year-old Victoria Vidal on South Arlington Street.
Upon pulling the automobile over, they rapidly found Vidal was working it with a suspended license. An extra examine revealed an impressive warrant, resulting in her quick arrest.
Nonetheless, 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 taking part in with a meth pipe proper now!”
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Vidal tried to succeed in for the meth pipe, however the officer stopped her, revealing that it had turn out to be proof. Branham couldn’t recover from the sight of the raccoon with the meth pipe, and he continued laughing hysterically, saying, “He is making an attempt to smoke it!”
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Police Uncover Medicine in Vidal’s Automobile
Whereas the video rapidly sparked waves of laughter on-line, the scenario was something however humorous for the authorities. A subsequent search of Vidal’s car revealed a big stash of medicine, together with methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and three used glass pipes.
Instantly, officers seized the unlawful substances, and Vidal obtained a number of costs, together with felony drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Alternatively, despite the fact that the raccoon was seen with a meth pipe, Chewy didn’t look like underneath the affect, although his sudden interplay with the item 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.
Based on Springfield Township authorities, she had the required documentation to show she was legally possessing the raccoon.
Fox 8 stories that in Ohio, raccoons and different unique pets like antelopes, alpacas, moose, and so on., may be saved as pets underneath state rules if correct permits are acquired.
Nonetheless, animal management officers are reviewing the case to find out whether or not the raccoon will stay in Vidal’s custody. Considerations have been raised in regards to the raccoon’s publicity to harmful substances and total dwelling situations.
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Police Hammer On The Gravity Of The Raccoon Meth Pipe Video
Whereas the stunning visitors cease left the web in stitches, officers rapidly highlighted the seriousness of the scenario.
Springfield Township Police emphasised that regardless 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 educated to count on the sudden, discovering a raccoon holding a meth pipe is a primary! No raccoons have been damage or injured on this incident,” the police division stated on Facebook.
Combined Reactions Path The Raccoon Meth Pipe Footage
Chewy has turn out to be 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 Dangerous” 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 scenario as “disturbing,” including that they hoped Vidal can be charged with animal cruelty.
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Subsequent Steps For Vidal And Chewy
Companion 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) May 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 underneath 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 is determined by 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 applicable surroundings.
For now, the Springfield Township Police Division continues to remind residents to count on the sudden and perhaps double-check that their raccoons aren’t packing drug paraphernalia.
