In brief
In a comical crime wave, a raccoon in Virginia known as the 'trashed panda' has gained notoriety for breaking into a liquor store and a karate studio. After enjoying a bit too much booze, the raccoon was found passed out in the liquor store's bathroom. Although he has been linked to multiple break-ins, officials are not ruling out the possibility of another racoon being involved. The story has captured community attention, even leading to fundraising efforts for local wildlife shelter renovations.
A raccoon that broke into a Virginia store and joyfully drank its way through the liquor aisle is now suspected of a wider crime spree, officials say.
A Hanover animal control officer suspects the stripe-tailed mammal also broke into a nearby karate studio and then raided the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for snacks.
Supposedly, this is the third break-in he's had, said Officer Samantha Martin.
The raccoon, now nicknamed the trashed panda, was first discovered passed out in the bathroom of the Ashland liquor store two days after Thanksgiving. After sobering up, the unlikely outlaw was released back into the wild.
Ms. Martin indicated it’s only a matter of time before the masked bandit strikes again, as he has previously dined on DMV snacks and attended karate class, making him a local celebrity.
Officials have launched merchandise featuring “trashed panda” logos, raising significant funds for shelter renovations. The raccoon embodies the relatable notion of enjoying life a little too much, making it a viral sensation.
