Raccoon breaks into VA liquor store, gets drunk, passes out in bathroom

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The saying goes, “like a child in a candy store,” but “like a raccoon in a liquor store” might be a new phrase to try.

Raccoons are known for being naturally mischievous, but this one might be the king. It’s not often a burglary suspect is found passed out in the bathroom, but that’s exactly what happened in Ashland when a very curious raccoon broke into the local ABC Store and helped itself to a variety of booze.

The unusual call brought Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter to the scene early Saturday morning to deal with the liquor-fueled chaos.

What we know:

The incident, described as a “Black Friday Break-In,” was reported to Hanover Animal Protection on Saturday morning. Upon arriving at the Ashland ABC Store, police found that the raccoon had successfully broken into the business and ransacked several shelves.

The “masked bandit” was discovered passed out in the bathroom. Officer Martin safely secured the animal and transported it back to the shelter to sober up. Following a few hours of sleep and no signs of physical injury, the raccoon was safely released back into the wild.

Hanover Animal Protection described the event as “just another day in the life.”

Maybe this raccoon will run back and tell its friends not to mix dark with clear.