Kentucky bar bans ‘Cowboy Cody’ after drunken mule incident and now he’s back… with a raccoon

Jonathan Mason, a 40-year-old man from Kentucky who is known locally as “Cowboy Cody,” is facing multiple charges after a strange incident at The Big Apple Grill and Bar. His actions, which involved a frightened raccoon and a history of reckless behavior with mules while drunk, have shocked the community of Murray.

According to NY Post, Mason, who had already been banned from The Big Apple because of past bad behavior, came back to the bar while drunk. A bartender tried to calm the situation and asked him to leave. At first, Mason agreed and walked out, but he did not stay away for long. He returned shortly after, this time carrying a raccoon.

The animal, which appeared terrified, was let loose inside the crowded bar, causing instant chaos. Per Fox, Customers reacted with confusion as the raccoon ran wildly through the building. Things got worse when an employee tried to catch the animal and was bitten, requiring rabies shots. The whole scene was caught on video, showing the employee desperately chasing the raccoon as it dodged between tables and chairs.

Kentucky man unleashes raccoon in bar

However, the bartender was able to calmly catch the scared raccoon, wrapping it in a towel and taking it outside. Fortunately, this wasn’t Chewy, but the raccoon still had more issues. Her quick actions stopped the situation from getting worse, but not before one employee was bitten and the entire bar was thrown into a night of complete disorder.

This is not Mason’s first run-in with the law. His past shows a clear pattern of alcohol abuse mixed with crimes involving animals. Last December, he was arrested twice for leading police on high-speed chases through city streets while riding a mule. Reports say he was drunk during both incidents, and witnesses claimed he unnecessarily whipped the mule at a local business. After these events, the mule was taken away by authorities.

The Big Apple Grill and Bar had already banned Mason because of the mule-related incidents. Employees said that on one occasion, Mason became aggressive toward the mule in the parking lot, which led them to call the police. His arrests in December resulted in charges including animal cruelty, fleeing or evading police, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and resisting arrest. The mule incidents clearly showed a habit of reckless behavior and a lack of respect for animal welfare and the law.

After Friday’s raccoon incident, Mason was arrested again. He refused to cooperate with officers, first by not getting out of his vehicle and then by refusing to roll down his windows. His arrest led to more charges, including third-degree criminal trespass, second-degree assault, resisting arrest, and failure to maintain insurance. This may not be at the same level as the porch pooper, but it’s still pretty strange.