Overview
- The break-in at the Ashland, Va., ABC store occurred early Nov. 29, with staff later finding the raccoon unconscious in the bathroom.
- Animal control officer Samantha Martin secured the raccoon, transported it to the Hanover County shelter to recover, and released it after no injuries were observed.
- Virginia ABC reported 14 bottles of spirits damaged with an estimated loss of about $250, and the store reopened after cleanup.
- Officials said the raccoon entered through a ceiling tile and knocked out the security cameras, leaving no usable CCTV footage.
- The shelter’s Facebook post with photos of the scene drew thousands of reactions and shares, fueling widespread media attention.