ASHLAND, Va. – Police responding to a late-night alarm at a Virginia ABC store early Saturday discovered the culprit was not your typical thief, but a raccoon that had apparently drunk itself into unconsciousness.
Shelves were toppled, bottles smashed, and the suspect was found sleeping off his spree in the store’s restroom.
Officer Martin of Hanover Animal Protection safely removed the animal, who was later taken to a nearby shelter for what officials called “detox.”
A wild night at the liquor store
Authorities said the raccoon broke into the ABC store sometime after midnight, rummaging through aisles and knocking down bottles before apparently sampling the merchandise. When officers arrived, they followed a trail of broken glass to the bathroom, where they found the furry offender sprawled out and unresponsive—but breathing.
No injuries, just a hangover
Hanover Animal Services confirmed the raccoon was not harmed and suffered only what staff described as a “rough hangover.” After several hours of rest, the animal regained its footing and was released back into the wild.
Officials joked that no charges were filed, though they cautioned residents to keep dumpsters and doors secure, noting that wildlife encounters have been rising in the area as temperatures drop.