Overview

• On June 6 around 9:15 p.m., 40-year-old Jonathan Mason released a raccoon he had trapped on his farm into Murray’s Big Apple Grill and Bar despite a ban on his entry
• The escaped raccoon bit at least one patron, prompting Murray Police Department officers to respond to reports of an animal-caused disturbance
• Bartender Mary Hafner said she initially persuaded Mason to leave peacefully before he returned carrying the trapped animal
• When officers located Mason in his vehicle, he refused to lower his windows or exit, leading to a forcible removal and arrest
• He remains held at Calloway County Jail on charges of assault, criminal trespass, resisting arrest and failure to maintain proper insurance