Viral Clip Shows Raccoon With Meth Pipe In Wild Police Encounter

In an incident straight out of a comedy sketch, Ohio police officers had been left surprised after a routine cease become 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 severe drug prices.

On Could 5, Springfield Township cops initiated a site visitors cease, which started like every other. They pulled over a automotive pushed by 55-year-old Victoria Vidal on South Arlington Highway.

Upon pulling the automotive over, they rapidly found Vidal was working it with a suspended license. An additional verify revealed an impressive warrant, resulting in her instant arrest.

Nevertheless, when Officer Austin Branham returned to Vidal’s automotive 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 might be heard laughing whereas exclaiming, “The raccoon has her meth pipe! He is taking part in with a meth pipe proper now!”

Vidal tried to achieve 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 attempting to smoke it!”

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 prices, together with felony drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.

However, regardless that the raccoon was seen with a meth pipe, Chewy didn’t seem like beneath the affect, although his sudden interplay with the item was deeply regarding to officers on the scene. Fortunately, the animal was unhurt.

One of many strangest twists was that Vidal was legally allowed to have Chewy in her automotive.

In keeping with Springfield Township authorities, she had the mandatory documentation to show she was legally possessing the raccoon.

Fox 8 studies that in Ohio, raccoons and different unique pets like antelopes, alpacas, moose, and so on., might be saved as pets beneath 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. Considerations have been raised concerning the raccoon’s publicity to harmful substances and general residing circumstances.

Whereas the surprising site visitors cease left the web in stitches, officers rapidly highlighted the seriousness of the scenario.

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 in addition for harmless animals.

“Whereas our officers are educated to anticipate 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 stated on Facebook.

Chewy has turn out to be an unlikely web star in a single day. Because the 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 scenario as “disturbing,” including that they hoped Vidal can be charged with animal cruelty.