An officer in central Ohio got more than he bargained for during a routine traffic stop earlier this week — a pet raccoon in the driver’s seat, gripping a glass meth pipe.
According to the Springfield Township Police Department, Officer Austin Branham pulled over a vehicle whose registered owner had an active warrant and a suspended license. What he discovered inside left him stunned: a raccoon named “Chewy” sitting in the driver’s seat, pipe in mouth.
That bizarre sight prompted a deeper search of the vehicle, where officers reportedly found methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and three used meth pipes stashed elsewhere in the car.
The driver, 55-year-old Victoria Vidal, was arrested on multiple charges, including drug possession and three counts of drug paraphernalia. She was also cited for driving under suspension. Additional charges for crack cocaine may be filed depending on results from the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Chewy, the raccoon, was unharmed. Police confirmed Vidal had the proper documents to legally own him — pet raccoons are allowed in Ohio, but only with strict permits and regulations.
Bodycam footage released by the department shows the moment Chewy emerged from the vehicle, leaving even seasoned officers in disbelief. “While our officers are trained to expect the unexpected, finding a raccoon holding a meth pipe is a first!” the department posted.
Not just the police officers, but the internet was also amazed. One user commented on a social media post, “What a wild story lol! Did Chewy get a snack instead?” Another wrote, “Chewy’s just trying to cope with fentanyl corridors and gender studies like the rest of Middle America.”
A third user, however, pointed out that this might not really be a laughing matter. They wrote, “You don’t know what this raccoon has been through. With all the Haitians eating everything that walks on four legs. He’s got PTSD. He can probably go to the VA and Job and Family Services and get food stamps, free healthcare, free housing, and methadone.”
According to the Springfield Township Police Department, Officer Austin Branham pulled over a vehicle whose registered owner had an active warrant and a suspended license. What he discovered inside left him stunned: a raccoon named “Chewy” sitting in the driver’s seat, pipe in mouth.
Police in Springfield Township, Ohio, found a pet raccoon holding a meth pipe during a traffic stop 🦝
— I'm From Cleveland (@ImFromCle) May 7, 2025
The driver was arrested after officers discovered meth, crack cocaine, and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.
The raccoon, named Chewy, was unharmed and legally owned. pic.twitter.com/fpwDpiLC9A
That bizarre sight prompted a deeper search of the vehicle, where officers reportedly found methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and three used meth pipes stashed elsewhere in the car.
The driver, 55-year-old Victoria Vidal, was arrested on multiple charges, including drug possession and three counts of drug paraphernalia. She was also cited for driving under suspension. Additional charges for crack cocaine may be filed depending on results from the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Chewy, the raccoon, was unharmed. Police confirmed Vidal had the proper documents to legally own him — pet raccoons are allowed in Ohio, but only with strict permits and regulations.
Bodycam footage released by the department shows the moment Chewy emerged from the vehicle, leaving even seasoned officers in disbelief. “While our officers are trained to expect the unexpected, finding a raccoon holding a meth pipe is a first!” the department posted.
Not just the police officers, but the internet was also amazed. One user commented on a social media post, “What a wild story lol! Did Chewy get a snack instead?” Another wrote, “Chewy’s just trying to cope with fentanyl corridors and gender studies like the rest of Middle America.”
A third user, however, pointed out that this might not really be a laughing matter. They wrote, “You don’t know what this raccoon has been through. With all the Haitians eating everything that walks on four legs. He’s got PTSD. He can probably go to the VA and Job and Family Services and get food stamps, free healthcare, free housing, and methadone.”
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