During a traffic stop in Ohio, police discovered a pet raccoon named “Chewy” with a methamphetamine pipe in its mouth. The incident occurred when officers pulled over Victoria Vidal, a 55-year-old from Akron, whose vehicle was stopped due to an active warrant and a suspended driver’s license. After arresting Vidal, an officer returned to the vehicle to find Chewy, prompting a surprising encounter that the Springfield Township Police Department humorously detailed on social media.
When officers noted the raccoon with the meth pipe, they were taken aback, stating that it was their first encounter with such a scenario, and remarked on the unusual find. Upon further inspection of the vehicle, police uncovered a significant amount of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and additional used meth pipes. Vidal was charged with three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and issued a citation for driving under suspension. Potential additional charges for crack cocaine possession are pending lab results.
The police confirmed that Vidal had the necessary paperwork for keeping Chewy, as raccoon ownership is legal in Ohio. Once the scene was secured, officers placed the raccoon in a carrier, ensuring its safety and contacting the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to arrange for Chewy’s rehoming.
This bizarre traffic stop underscores the unpredictability of police work, with the department expressing its commitment to community safety amid unusual encounters. The incident has been shared widely, combining elements of both humor and serious legal implications for Vidal.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
