The state-run ABC shop in Ashland reported broken bottles, a wrecked ceiling tile and an uninjured but very groggy bandit.
ASHLAND, VA — A raccoon broke into a closed Virginia ABC liquor store early Saturday, knocked bottles from lower shelves and was later found asleep on the employee bathroom floor, according to local animal control. The animal sobered up at a county shelter and was released.
The episode drew attention because it unfolded at a state-run store and left a surprising trail: shattered glass, spilled spirits and a motion alarm with no human suspect. Hanover County Animal Protection identified the intruder as a raccoon that apparently entered through the ceiling. The incident is under routine review by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, which said no employees were present during the overnight break-in and no injuries were reported. The short-lived caper highlights how urban wildlife can find their way into buildings and, in this case, the bottom shelf.
Store managers arrived to a chaotic scene after an overnight alert signaled trouble but did not require a patrol response because the building appeared secure. Inside, workers found a collapsed ceiling tile near the stockroom, alcohol pooled on aisles, and a trail leading to the staff restroom. Security video, according to the store, showed the raccoon skittering along aisles and nosing open bottles before retreating toward the back. When the door to the employee bathroom was opened, an animal control officer found the raccoon stretched on the tile floor near the toilet, breathing steadily and uninjured. “He looked like he’d had a long night,” Animal Protection Officer Samantha Martin said.
Employees spent the morning cataloging damage and sweeping glass. The store reported at least 14 broken bottles across several brands, including rum, scotch, flavored whiskey and seasonal eggnog, with an early damage estimate around $250 for product losses and clean-up supplies. The initial entry appeared to be from above: a tile shoved out of place big enough for a raccoon to fall through. The motion system did record activity, and a separate alert about a power disruption was sent by the security provider, the store said. Animal control officers checked the raccoon for obvious injuries and signs of distress before transporting it to the county shelter for observation. Officials said there was no indication of illness or aggressive behavior.
Virginia’s ABC system oversees more than 400 stores statewide and balances retail operations with enforcement. The agency said wildlife occasionally finds its way into shops—deer and even a stray cow have prompted calls in past years—but staff could not recall another raccoon break-in ending in a bathroom nap. Similar raccoon escapades have been reported in other states, including incidents in Tennessee and New York, often involving open dumpsters or roof access. Biologists note raccoons thrive in developed areas where food waste and crawl spaces create easy opportunities, and their dexterous paws and problem-solving skills help them navigate doors, latches and loose tiles.
Animal control followed standard steps: secure the animal, assess condition, and hold for a short observation period. Martin said the raccoon was lethargic but stable when loaded into a carrier and perked up later in the day. No citations were issued and no rabies testing was required because there was no human bite or direct exposure, authorities said. The store closed briefly for cleaning and reopened after surfaces were sanitized and glass removed. ABC officials said any roof or ceiling access points will be resealed and the alarm vendor will review overnight notifications. If additional damage assessments are needed, insurance and maintenance teams will complete them this week.
By late afternoon, the raccoon was released to a wooded area outside town. Neighbors in the shopping center said a raccoon had been spotted near dumpsters in recent weeks and may have returned to familiar territory. “We’ve had trash cans knocked over a few times,” said Julia Reynolds, who manages a nearby bakery. A customer who arrived to find the doors temporarily shut called the scene “oddly tidy for the amount of glass,” adding that the store clerk “took it in stride.” Martin, the officer, said the rescue was memorable mostly for its ending: “He went to sleep, we cleaned up, and no one got hurt.”
As of Wednesday morning, the ABC store had resumed normal hours while a contractor examined roof panels above the stockroom. Officials said they expect a brief follow-up on repairs by the end of the week and no lasting impact to operations.
Author note: Last updated December 3, 2025.