Police Body Cam Footage Shows Raccoon Trying To Smoke Meth Pipe During Traffic Stop

In an incident straight out of a comedy sketch, Ohio police officers were left stunned after a routine stop turned into an unforgettable encounter. Body camera footage from the cops captured the moment the offender's raccoon tried smoking from a meth pipe.

The wild footage has since gone viral, and while the raccoon may have stolen the spotlight, the driver is now facing serious drug charges.

On May 5, Springfield Township police officers initiated a traffic stop, which began like any other. They pulled over a car driven by 55-year-old Victoria Vidal on South Arlington Road.

Upon pulling the car over, they quickly discovered Vidal was operating it with a suspended license. A further check revealed an outstanding warrant, leading to her immediate arrest.

However, when Officer Austin Branham returned to Vidal's car to finish the inspection, things took a surreal turn. There, in the driver's seat, was Chewy, Vidal's pet raccoon with a meth pipe in his mouth.

In the now-viral body cam footage, Branham could be heard laughing while exclaiming, "The raccoon has her meth pipe! He's playing with a meth pipe right now!”

Vidal tried to reach for the meth pipe, but the officer stopped her, revealing that it had become evidence. Branham couldn’t get over the sight of the raccoon with the meth pipe, and he continued laughing hysterically, saying, “He's trying to smoke it!"

While the video quickly sparked waves of laughter online, the situation was anything but funny for the authorities. A subsequent search of Vidal’s vehicle revealed a large stash of drugs, including methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and three used glass pipes.

Immediately, officers seized the illegal substances, and Vidal received multiple charges, including felony drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On the other hand, even though the raccoon was seen with a meth pipe, Chewy didn’t appear to be under the influence, though his unexpected interaction with the object was deeply concerning to officers on the scene. Luckily, the animal was unharmed.

One of the strangest twists was that Vidal was legally allowed to have Chewy in her car.

According to Springfield Township authorities, she had the necessary documentation to prove she was legally possessing the raccoon.

Fox 8 reports that in Ohio, raccoons and other exotic pets like antelopes, alpacas, moose, etc., can be kept as pets under state regulations if proper permits are acquired.

However, animal control officials are reviewing the case to determine whether the raccoon will remain in Vidal’s custody. Concerns have been raised about the raccoon’s exposure to dangerous substances and overall living conditions.

While the shocking traffic stop left the internet in stitches, officers quickly highlighted the seriousness of the situation.

Springfield Township Police emphasized that no matter how funny the scene may have appeared, it was a real instance of drug possession with potential consequences not just for humans but also for innocent animals.

"While our officers are trained to expect the unexpected, finding a raccoon holding a meth pipe is a first! No raccoons were hurt or injured in this incident," the police department said on Facebook.

Chewy has become an unlikely internet star overnight. Since the footage went viral, social media has exploded with memes, jokes, and GIFs of the raccoon in action.

“Chewy for President” and “Raccoon Breaking Bad” are some trending hashtags now circulating.

But even amid the humor, many online users have voiced concern about animal welfare. One person commented, “Poor raccoon... he didn’t sign up for this.”

Another shared, “That’s animal abuse, plain and simple.” A third person described the situation as “disturbing,” adding that they hoped Vidal would be charged with animal cruelty.

As for the offender, her legal troubles are far from over. She is facing felony drug charges, and authorities have revealed that further charges may be added pending the results of lab analysis on the substances recovered.

She was also cited for driving under suspension and transferred to the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department to answer for her outstanding warrant.

Meanwhile, Chewy’s fate remains uncertain. While he has captured viewers' hearts worldwide, his future depends on an ongoing review by animal welfare officials.

If deemed unfit for Vidal's care, Chewy could be placed in a wildlife sanctuary or rehomed to a more appropriate environment.

For now, the Springfield Township Police Department continues to remind citizens to expect the unexpected and maybe double-check that their raccoons aren’t packing drug paraphernalia.