SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW) – This week, officers in Springfield Township, Ohio, had a unique encounter with a raccoon spotted holding a meth pipe during an arrest.
The department shared on Facebook that on the evening of May 5, officers stopped a vehicle. The driver had an outstanding warrant and a suspended license.
The driver, a 55-year-old Akron resident, was detained.
But when an officer walked back to the vehicle, a raccoon named “Chewy” was 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,” the post from the department said.
A search of the vehicle turned up crack cocaine, meth and three used glass meth pipes, police said.
“Fortunately, Chewy the raccoon was safe, and the appropriate authorities were notified to ensure that the owner has the necessary paperwork and documentation to legally possess the raccoon,” the post continued.
It is legal to own a raccoon in the state of Ohio with proper paperwork and permits. In this case, however, Chewy was turned over to the humane society by police.
Chewy’s owner faces several drug charges and were cited for driving under suspension.
“While our officers are trained to expect the unexpected, finding a raccoon holding a meth pipe is a first!” police wrote. “No raccoons were hurt or injured in this incident. As always, we remain committed to keeping our community safe — no matter what surprises may come our way.”
