by Even a universal symbol of kindness like Santa Claus can sometimes find himself in an awkward situation on the road. Earlier this month in Ohio, police pulled over a man in full Santa attire for speeding.
An Unexpected Encounter on the Highway
As it turned out, Santa and Mrs. Claus had left the reindeer sleigh at home and were traveling the state in a Ford EcoSport crossover. This was not the only surprise for the Fulton County sheriff’s deputy. When the officer approached the vehicle, the driver quickly informed him that he had a concealed carry permit for a weapon. This news caused the police officer to laugh, as it’s hard to imagine Kris Kringle needing additional protection.
The Reason for the Rush and a Lenient Decision
The audio from the officer’s body camera does not reveal the specific speed exceeded, but it is noted that Santa was driving significantly faster than the posted limit of 55 miles per hour. The driver did not dispute the violation and got out of the car to hand over his documents. During the conversation, as the wind blew through his beard, the couple explained they were rushing to their daughter’s workplace to bring some holiday cheer to her colleagues.
The officer gave Santa a warning and simply asked him to drive slower.
Mrs. Claus took a photo of this unusual encounter, and the officer asked her to send him a copy. The incident ended with mutual Christmas greetings.
This case became a vivid example of how humor and goodwill can defuse even a formal situation related to a traffic violation. At the same time, it serves as a reminder of the importance of observing speed limits on the roads, especially during the holiday season when many people are rushing to complete last-minute preparations. The story also raises questions about the everyday realities even for such unique characters—even on Christmas Eve, one must have all the necessary documents on hand and remember about safety.
