 [WHAS11] MURRAY, Ky. — A man from Murray, Kentucky, was arrested last week after police say he released a raccoon inside a business. This comes just months after the same man was arrested for attempting to evade police officers on a mule.
On June 6, 2025, Murray Police Department responded to a call that a person had intentionally released a raccoon into an open business, and that he had fled the scene.
Soon after, officers initiated a traffic stop on Jonathan Mason, 40. According to police, he refused to roll down his windows or exit his vehicle. Officers physically removed Mason from the vehicle.
Investigators learned the raccoon that was released into the business bit a person,
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and that Mason was previously warned that he was not allowed on the property of the business.
Mason was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree, Criminal Trespassing 3rd Degree, Resisting Arrest, and Failure of Owner to Maintain Required Insurance 1st Offense. He was lodged in the Calloway County Jail.
About six months prior to this incident, Mason was arrested for a different crime, also involving an animal.
In December 2024, Murray Police Department responded to a local bar after an "unruly individual", who had been asked to leave was refusing to do so. Officers found Murray outside the business under the influence of alcohol.
Mason had ridden a mule to the establishment and refused to stop when ordered by an officer. Authorities say Mason resisted as the officer continued to try to place him under arrest.
Witnesses told investigators they say Mason whip the mule at a different establishment an "unnecessary amount" of times in addition to mistreating the animal in other ways.
As a result, Mason was arrested, the mule was stabled, and Mason was charged with Disorderly Conduct 2nd Degree, Alcohol Intoxication In a Public Place, Criminal Trespassing 3rd Degree, Resisting Arrest and Cruelty to Animals 2nd Degree.
Just two days after the mule incident, Mason was arrested once more for attempting to flee police while riding the mule down the roadway intoxicated. He was charged with Fleeing or Evading Police 3rd Degree and Cruelty to Animals 2nd Degree.
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