Raccoon Rampage Ends in Arrest

In a bizarre twist fit for a crime comedy, a Kentucky man recently found himself behind bars after allegedly releasing a raccoon into a packed bar from which he had previously been banned. According to police, the incident turned an ordinary night out into a chaotic spectacle — and sent one unlucky patron to the hospital.

The Night the Raccoon Checked In

On Friday, June 6, the Murray Police Department received a call at around 9:18 p.m. about a peculiar disturbance at The Big Apple Grill and Bar in Murray, Kentucky. The caller claimed that someone had intentionally let a raccoon loose inside the bar. Witnesses were likely expecting drink specials, not a surprise wildlife encounter.

The suspect, 40-year-old Jonathan Mason, allegedly released the animal before quickly leaving the scene. Authorities confirmed that the raccoon bit one person before the dust settled.

When Wildlife Meets a Grudge

The police report paints a picture of a grudge-fueled act of disruption. Mason, who had reportedly been banned from the bar, returned with the raccoon in tow. His actions didn't just cause a stir — they led to real consequences. Releasing a wild animal into a public space, especially one teeming with unsuspecting patrons, has serious repercussions.

Authorities tracked Mason down shortly after the incident while he was driving. But he didn't exactly make it easy for them. During the traffic stop, he allegedly refused to roll down his windows or exit the vehicle. Officers were ultimately forced to remove him from the car.

A Rap Sheet With a Wild Streak

This wasn't Mason's first brush with eccentric lawbreaking. In December 2024, he was arrested for drunkenly riding a mule to a liquor store. Just days later, he was apprehended again while attempting to retrieve the animal, which police had taken into custody.

Locals reportedly know him by the nickname "Cowboy Cody," according to Live 5 News, which might explain his flair for the theatrical.

Charges and Consequences

Following the raccoon incident, Mason was charged with second-degree assault, third-degree criminal trespassing, resisting arrest and failure of owner to maintain required insurance — a mix of wildlife mischief and bureaucratic oversight.

He is currently lodged in the Calloway County Jail. The individual bitten by the raccoon has not been identified, and there's no word yet on the health status of the animal.

A Town Talks

In small towns, unusual events travel fast. This one has already become a hot topic in Murray. While police and bar staff have kept their statements brief, the community has been left shaking their heads at the sheer oddity of it all. Despite the laughter it may prompt, the charges are serious, especially with an animal bite involved.

The Big Apple Grill and Bar has not issued a public comment at the time of writing.

When Vengeance Gets Furry

This story is a reminder that retaliation — especially when it involves wildlife — can quickly spiral into criminal territory. Releasing a raccoon into a busy establishment is far from harmless. It's disruptive, dangerous and in this case, clearly illegal.

While it may be tempting to see this as a headline pulled from the plot of a slapstick comedy, the reality is more sobering. Animal bites can lead to serious medical issues, and police intervention often escalates when individuals refuse to cooperate.

As for Mason, the man once known for his unconventional liquor store mule ride might be spending a little less time in bars — and a lot more time in court.

References: Kentucky Man Arrested for Releasing Raccoon Inside Busy Bar After Getting Banned: Police | Man accused of releasing raccoon into bar after he was kicked out, police say