Kentucky Man Arrested for Releasing a Raccoon in a Business

A Kentucky man was recently arrested for releasing a wild raccoon into a business, just months after fleeing police on a mule.

The Murray Police Department has had its hands full with one man over the past few months, with some "wild" encounters. It's a story that many will say "only in Kentucky" upon hearing about it. Before we get into the most recent news regarding unleashing a raccoon in a business, let's rewind a few months back to his mule-riding arrest.

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Kentucky Man Tries to Outrun Police on a MULE?!

On December 7, 2024, Murray Police responded to a local alcohol establishment where Jonathan Mason had been causing some trouble. A drunk Mason rode a mule to the establishment and became unruly. When he refused to leave, the police were called. Mason was arrested after trying to ride off on his mule, police said.

Some witnesses reportedly told police they saw Mason unnecessarily whip the mule at a different business. The mule was taken away by the police. A few days later, police said Mason tried to take back his mule, also while drunk. He then tried to outrun the police on his mule...which didn't work out in his favor. Needless to say, he was arrested again and taken to jail.

Luckily, we live in a world where everyone has a camera on their phone, and this mule police chase was caught on camera.

You can check out the full report from the Murray Police Department regarding this incident below:

Now, it seems that Mason is in more trouble with the Murray Police Department after another recent animal-related incident.

Kentucky Man Releases Wild Raccoon into a Business

40-year-old Jonathan Mason was arrested last week for allegedly releasing a raccoon into an open business. It was later pointed out that Mason had been previously warned to not return to the business. Apparently, he didn't listen. According to the Murray Police Department, Mason arrived at the business around 9:18 p.m. on June 6th and released the animal. The raccoon subsequently bit a patron inside the business.

Mason fled the scene...this time in a vehicle. Officers were able to track him down and condcted a traffic stop. After being pulled over by police, Mason allegedly refused to roll down his window for the officers, who removed him from his car.

According to the Murray Police Department, spanning his three arrests, Mason has been charged with two counts of second-degree animal cruelty, third-degree fleeing or evading police, second-degree disorderly conduct, alcohol intoxication in a public place, two counts of third-degree criminal trespassing, two counts of resisting arrest, second-degree assault and failure of owner to maintain required insurance.