In one of the strangest traffic stops reported this year, police officers in Springfield Township, Ohio, found more than just drugs in a suspicious vehicle—they found a raccoon named “Chewy” holding a meth pipe.
The incident took place on May 5, 2025, around 7 p.m., and has since grabbed attention both locally and on social media, where Chewy is quickly becoming a viral sensation.
How the Incident Happened
According to the Springfield Township Police Department, officers pulled over a vehicle registered to a person who had:
- An active warrant, and
- A suspended driver’s license.
The driver was detained shortly after the stop. But what officers found next left them shocked.
As Officer Branham returned to the car to continue the inspection, he saw something highly unusual—a raccoon sitting in the driver’s seat with what appeared to be a meth pipe in its mouth.
This led to a more thorough search of the vehicle.
What Else Did Police Find in the Car?
Following Chewy’s unexpected presence, officers carried out a detailed inspection of the car. They allegedly found:
- Methamphetamine
- Crack cocaine
- Three used meth pipes
The driver was charged with multiple drug-related offences. The investigation is ongoing, and police are also checking whether the driver had the required documents to legally keep a raccoon as a pet.
What Happened to Chewy the Raccoon?
Fortunately, Chewy was not harmed during the incident.
The police department posted on social media:
“While our officers are trained to expect the unexpected, finding a raccoon holding a meth pipe is a first.”
Animal control authorities may be involved to decide the next steps regarding Chewy’s ownership, depending on Ohio’s exotic pet laws.
Social Media Reacts to Chewy’s Story
Since the story broke, Chewy the raccoon has gone viral. Comments and shares have flooded the police department’s Facebook page.
One user, Cynthia Moncrief, joked,
“Glad the little bandit tipped you guys off. He should be your mascot!”
Chewy now has a growing fan base online, with people supporting the raccoon’s accidental role in uncovering the drug bust.