In brief
A raccoon, referred to as the 'trashed panda', is under investigation for a string of break-ins in Virginia, including a liquor store and a nearby karate studio. Following his drunken binge, the raccoon was released back into the wild, but officials warn he may strike again soon.
A raccoon that broke into a Virginia store and joyfully drank its way through the liquor aisle is now suspected of a wider crime spree, officials say.
A Hanover animal control officer suspects the stripe-tailed mammal also broke into a nearby karate studio and then raided the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for snacks.
Supposedly, this is the third break-in he's had, said Officer Samantha Martin.
The raccoon, now nicknamed the trashed panda, was first discovered passed out in the bathroom of the Ashland liquor store two days after Thanksgiving. After sobering up, the unlikely outlaw was released back into the wild.
Ms Martin says it's only a matter of time before the masked bandit strikes the shopping center again. She later added that there is a chance the earlier break-ins could have been perpetrated by a different raccoon - but officials have identified him as their prime suspect.
The county has been selling shirts with the logo trashed panda and has raised a whopping $207,000 (£155,000). The money will be used to renovate the shelter and add to its capacity, according to Ms Martin.
The story of the raccoon has gone viral, resonating with many who found humor and relatability in his escapades. Ms Martin noted, Everybody's been there... Everybody's had a few extra and passed out by the toilet, and hopes somebody can come get you the next morning.
I hope he learned his lesson, she concluded. He'll be back. He's not a dummy.