Key Takeaways
- A highly intoxicated raccoon broke into a Virginia liquor store on Saturday
- The raccoon, dubbed the "masked bandit", helped itself to bottom shelf spirits before passing out in the bathroom
- Animal control officer Samantha Martin transported the raccoon for questioning, but it was released back into the wild after sobering up
- The store suffered significant damage, with smashed bottles and liquor pooling on the floor
- The incident has been met with amusement, with the store thanking animal control for their professionalism and providing the raccoon with a "sober ride home"
Introduction to the Incident
The staff at a Virginia liquor store were in for a surprise on Saturday when they arrived at work to find that the store had been broken into by a very intoxicated raccoon. The raccoon, which had apparently gained access to the store by falling through one of the ceiling tiles, had gone on a "full-blown rampage" drinking a significant amount of liquor, including its apparent tipple of choice, scotch. The incident has been met with amusement, with the store and local animal control officers sharing the story on social media.
The Break-In and Its Aftermath
The Ashland ABC store had been closed for Thanksgiving when it suffered its "Black Friday break-in". When staff arrived on Saturday, they found smashed bottles and liquor pooling on the floor, with the raccoon passed out in the bathroom between the toilet and bin. The scene was one of chaos, with the raccoon having clearly helped itself to a large amount of alcohol before succumbing to its effects. Animal control officer Samantha Martin was called to the scene, where she found the raccoon in a highly intoxicated state. Despite the circumstances, the raccoon was found to be unharmed, with the exception of a likely hangover.
The Raccoon’s Release
After being transported to Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter, the raccoon was given a chance to sober up. After a few hours of sleep, the animal was found to be uninjured, with no signs of harm other than the effects of its earlier drinking spree. The raccoon was then safely released back into the wild, with Officer Martin commenting that it was "just another day in the life of an animal control officer". The incident has been met with amusement, with the store thanking animal control for their professionalism and providing the raccoon with a "sober ride home".
Social Media Reaction
The incident has been shared on social media, with the store and local animal control officers posting about the unusual break-in. The posts have been met with amusement, with many commenting on the humorous nature of the situation. The incident has also sparked interest in the local community, with many sharing the story and speculate about the circumstances surrounding the break-in. Despite the damage caused to the store, the incident has been met with a lighthearted tone, with the store and animal control officers seeming to take the incident in stride.
Conclusion
The break-in at the Ashland ABC store is a unusual and amusing incident that has captured the attention of the local community. The highly intoxicated raccoon’s rampage through the store has been met with humor, with the store and animal control officers sharing the story on social media. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of wildlife, and the importance of being prepared for any situation. Despite the damage caused to the store, the incident has been met with a positive tone, with the store and animal control officers seeming to take the incident in stride. The raccoon’s release back into the wild has also sparked interest, with many commenting on the animal’s likely hangover and its chances of repeating its behavior in the future.