Drunk raccoon found in liquor store, suspected of breaking into karate gym

A raccoon that broke into a Virginia store and drank happily in the liquor aisle is now suspected of a wider crime, officials said.

An animal control officer in Hanover suspects the striped-tailed mammal also broke into a nearby karate studio before raiding the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) demanding treats.

“This is reportedly his third burglary,” said Officer Samantha Martin.

The raccoon, now nicknamed “Trash Panda,” was first found passed out in an Ashland hotel bathroom two days after Thanksgiving. After regaining consciousness, the seemingly outlaw was released into the wild.

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Ms Martin said it was only a matter of time before masked robbers hit the shopping center again.

“This is not the first time he’s been in these buildings,” she said Thursday on “Hear in Hanover,” the county’s official podcast.

“He was at a karate studio. I think he went into the DMV at one point (and) ate some of their snacks,” she said.

She later added that it was possible another raccoon was responsible for the earlier break-in, but officials had identified him as the primary suspect.

Raccoons are known for breaking into people’s trash cans, earning them the nickname “Trash Panda.”

The county has been selling shirts with the “Trash Panda” logo, raising a whopping $207,000 (£155,000) as of Friday. Ms Martin said the money would be used to renovate the shelter and expand its capacity.

Officials say the kung fu trash red panda was living its best life while being kept in a liquor store and is still in good spirits even after being placed in a county kennel.

“I just put him there and let him relax for a few hours. The sun was shining on him so he was feeling good,” Ms Martin said, adding that he was released about a mile from the shopping centre. “He didn’t do anything wrong. He was just having a good time.”

The story has gone viral, which Ms Martin said was because it was so “relatable”.

“Everyone has been there,” she said. “Everyone gets a little too much and passes out in the bathroom, hoping someone can pick you up the next morning.”

“I hope he learned his lesson,” she said, adding that he would likely be caught committing another robbery soon.

“He’ll come back. He’s not a fool.”