Yep, they get big (for a pest animal) and are related to the badger.
When I was a kid, I had a friend who had a pet racoon; amazing animal- he could open any door in the house including cupboards and the refrigerator. Smart, cunning and absolutely irresistible with that black mask, he could also be nasty and amazingly fast. They of course had to get rid of him for the usual reason- he got crankier and crankier as he got older (like some pirates I know...., OK, all the pirates I know).
I have never had it happen but I have heard stories about running into one of those things in a confined area such as an attic or garage, especially if the human is between it and the exit- whatever happens, it ain't gonna' be pretty for the human.
Glad to hear it worked out for you and your girlfriend. Not sure about the scratches on her leg though- we are going to need more photos of Kimberly.... lots more photos. And no more photos of your leg, for the love of God, please, no more photos of that.
Brian
Raccoons can be really mean.