'Raccoon With Meth Pipe' Found in Driver's Seat During Ohio Stop

You expect the unexpected on the road — but even seasoned officers weren't prepared to find a raccoon in the driver's seat holding a meth pipe.

Yes, you read that correctly.

A Routine Stop Turns Unbelievable

On May 5, 2025, in Springfield Township, Summit County, Ohio, a traffic stop began as many do — with a car pulled over for a suspended license. Officer Austin Branham approached the vehicle and detained the driver, later identified as 55-year-old Victoria Vidal of Akron, without incident.

But when Officer Branham returned to the car, he encountered an entirely different situation. There, in the driver's seat, sat a raccoon. Not just any raccoon — Chewy, the woman's pet, holding a glass methamphetamine pipe in its mouth.

Meet Chewy: Ohio's Most Unexpected Passenger

Chewy had apparently gotten into the drug paraphernalia — or at least found it intriguing enough to pick up. Police noted that the raccoon was unharmed, but the moment quickly escalated the situation from a traffic citation to a full-blown drug investigation.

Officers conducted a thorough search of the vehicle. They allegedly uncovered a bulk amount of methamphetamine, some crack cocaine, and three used meth pipes.

While Vidal was being processed for her warrant and drug charges, Chewy was temporarily taken into protective custody. Officers contacted the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to verify that Vidal had the correct paperwork to legally own the animal — raccoons can be kept as pets in Ohio if properly documented.

What Charges Does the Owner Face?

Vidal now faces several charges, including third-degree felony drug possession and three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. She was also cited for driving under suspension.

As for Chewy, no charges were filed — despite clearly being caught "red-pawed." Authorities confirmed that the raccoon was physically unharmed and will not be returned to Vidal until the proper ownership documentation and safety concerns are addressed.

A Social Media Sensation — and a Sobering Reminder

Video of the incident, released by police and reported by NBC News, shows the officer laughing in disbelief and commenting, "The raccoon has her meth pipe. That's evidence now."

He then reaches in to retrieve the pipe, only for Chewy to reportedly produce another.

While the situation might sound like a scene from a cartoon — or a particularly strange late-night comedy sketch — it underscores real concerns around drug trafficking and pet safety.

Meanwhile, officers seemed to take the surreal moment in stride. "While our officers are trained to expect the unexpected, finding a raccoon holding a meth pipe is a first!" said the Springfield Township Police Department in a statement reported by NBC News.

References: Raccoon with Meth Pipe in Its Mouth Found in Driver's Seat During Ohio Traffic Stop, Police Say | Ohio Police Find Pet Raccoon in Car Driver's Seat with Meth Pipe in Its Mouth | Pet Raccoon with Meth Pipe in Its Mouth Found in Driver's Seat During Ohio Traffic Stop, Police Say | Ohio Police Find Raccoon Holding Meth Pipe During Traffic Stop