A masked bandit’s booze-fueled rampage through a Virginia state liquor store has exposed glaring security vulnerabilities in government-run ABC facilities while providing comic relief amid serious concerns about taxpayer-funded operations.
Story Highlights
- Raccoon breached Virginia ABC store ceiling, destroyed property, and passed out drunk in bathroom
- New surveillance footage reveals extensive damage to whiskey and bourbon inventory at taxpayer expense
- Animal control safely removed and released the intoxicated raccoon after monitoring recovery
- Incident highlights security gaps in state-controlled liquor distribution system
Midnight Break-In Exposes ABC Store Vulnerabilities
A raccoon infiltrated an Ashland, Virginia ABC store through ceiling access points during an overnight break-in, demonstrating concerning security weaknesses in state-controlled liquor facilities. The animal systematically targeted premium whiskey and bourbon shelves, knocking multiple bottles to the floor and consuming spilled alcohol before succumbing to intoxication. Store staff discovered the unconscious raccoon in the bathroom the following morning, surrounded by property damage and broken merchandise that represents direct costs to Virginia taxpayers who fund the ABC system.
Surveillance cameras captured the raccoon’s methodical approach to the liquor shelves, though the animal had disabled some security equipment by dislodging ceiling tiles during entry. The incident occurred over a weekend in late 2025, with the masked intruder spending considerable time exploring the store interior before focusing on alcoholic beverages. Virginia ABC officials must now address both immediate property repairs and longer-term security improvements to prevent similar breaches.
Professional Animal Control Response Ensures Safe Recovery
Hanover County Animal Protection responded promptly to the discovery, demonstrating proper protocols for handling wildlife in distress. Officers transported the intoxicated raccoon to a shelter facility for observation, monitoring vital signs and behavior patterns to ensure no serious health complications from alcohol consumption. The animal, informally dubbed “Rocky” by local media, showed no visible injuries despite its impaired state and destructive activities throughout the store.
Animal control professionals emphasize that alcohol exposure can severely compromise wildlife coordination and thermoregulation, potentially leading to injury or death if not properly managed. After several hours of supervised recovery, officials determined the raccoon had metabolized enough alcohol to safely return to its natural habitat. The successful intervention highlights the importance of contacting trained professionals rather than attempting to handle intoxicated or disoriented wildlife independently.
Broader Implications for State Liquor Operations
While the incident provides entertaining content for social media audiences, it raises legitimate questions about security protocols at government-run ABC stores across Virginia. State officials must balance public safety concerns with cost-effective operations, particularly regarding building maintenance and wildlife prevention measures. The raccoon’s easy ceiling access suggests inadequate structural assessments that could allow more problematic intrusions beyond curious wildlife seeking food sources.
Insurance claims and cleanup costs represent direct expenses to Virginia’s ABC revenue system, which funds various state programs through liquor sales profits. Business owners in similar situations often implement comprehensive building hardening measures to prevent animal incursions, suggesting ABC management should evaluate comparable protective investments. The viral nature of the story, while generating positive publicity, underscores public attention on state-controlled business operations and their stewardship of taxpayer resources.
Sources:
Drunk raccoon Virginia ABC store break-in – Axios Richmond
New video of drunken raccoon that passed out in Virginia liquor store – CBS News
