Kentucky man charged with releasing raccoon into business after previous mule-riding incidents
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Quite the wild situation unfolded in small-town Kentucky recently.

A Murray, Kentucky, man, who was identified by the Murray Police Department as 40-year-old Jonathan Mason, was arrested for allegedly releasing a raccoon into an open business.

According to a Murray Police Department’s Facebook post, Mason arrived at the unnamed business around 9:18 p.m. on June 6 and released the animal. The raccoon subsequently bit a patron inside the business, police said.

Split of a raccoon and Jonathon Mason

Jonathan Mason allegedly released a rabid raccoon (not pictured here) into a business months after he was arrested for evading police on a mule. (iStock | Murray Police Department)

The reportedly rabid raccoon’s release inside the business was just the latest in a string of animal-related offenses committed by Mason, police said.

In December 2024, police said a “manifestly” drunk Mason rode a mule to a liquor store. When he refused to leave, the police were called. Mason was arrested after trying to ride off on his mule, police said.

Jonathan Mason's mugshot

Jonathan Mason was arrested in December while allegedly riding a mule while drunk. (Murray Police Department)

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. Mason was allegedly caught riding his mule down the road and refused to stop. He was arrested again and taken to jail, police said.

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.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Murray Police Department for additional comment but has not received a response.

Nick Butler is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Do you have any tips? Reach out to Nick.Butler@Fox.com.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Who is the Gazan challenging Hamas rule, and does he have a chance?

Who is the Gazan challenging Hamas rule, and does he have a chance?

Protesters in Gaza target Hamas For the first time since Hamas seized…
GOP Sen. Ron Johnson subpoenas FBI for records related to Trump assassination attempt

Senator Ron Johnson issues a subpoena to the FBI for documents about the alleged plot to assassinate Trump

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) issued a subpoena to the FBI on Friday.…
George Retes, disabled vet and US citizen, taken during Camarillo, California immigration raid at Glass House Farms: family

Family of George Retes, a disabled U.S. veteran, shares his story after immigration raid at Glass House Farms in Camarillo, California

CAMARILLO, Calif. — Concerned family members are desperate for answers after they…
Trump lashes out at Rosie O’Donnell, threatens to take away US citizenship

Trump Criticizes Rosie O’Donnell, Makes Citizenship Threats

President Trump on Saturday lashed out against comedian Rosie O’Donnell, calling her…
Trial begins for woman accused of murdering ex's family with beef Wellington laced with poisonous mushrooms

Woman found guilty in mushroom murder mystery that left three family members dead after meal

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A woman who poisoned…
Club World Cup: Will Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain take home the trophy?

Predicting the Club World Cup winner: Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain

The FIFA Club World Cup final takes place at MetLife Stadium in…
Illinois first responders traveling to Central Texas flood sites to assist with search, recovery as death toll rises

Illinois Rescue Teams Head to Central Texas Flood Zones to Help as Fatalities Increase

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team Sunday, July 13, 2025 3:32AM A group of…
Texas deadly floods: Victims from the Houston area

People from Houston area affected by fatal floods in Texas

Early in the morning on July 4, a catastrophic flood in the…