While millions of children across the world waited eagerly for Christmas gifts, Santa Claus found himself briefly grounded in Ohio, USA. Deputies from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office stopped a car for speeding — only to discover Santa and Mrs Claus sitting in the front seats.
Body camera footage later shared by the sheriff’s office on Facebook shows the deputy struggling to contain his laughter as he approached the vehicle late on Christmas Eve.
“Santa has a CCW?”
Shining a flashlight into the car, the deputy greeted the driver with a surprised “Santa!” A visibly startled Santa quickly informed the officer that he was carrying a CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon).
“Santa has a CCW? Times are rough,” the deputy joked. Santa replied calmly, “You gotta protect yourself,” prompting Mrs Claus to add humorously, “And the North Pole isn’t what it used to be!”
Asked to produce his driving licence, Santa stepped out of the vehicle and appeared to fumble while searching for it. The deputy quipped that he might lose his Christmas presents for stopping Santa on such an important night.
Warning, selfie and festive wishes
In the end, no ticket was issued. The deputy advised Santa to slow down, posed for a selfie with the couple and allowed them to continue their journey. Before parting ways, all three exchanged warm “Merry Christmas” wishes.
Sharing the video online, the sheriff’s office wrote: “Ho ho hold on! Santa and Mrs Claus were spotted flying a little too fast through Fulton County. No coal was issued — just a friendly reminder that even sleighs need to slow down.”
Social media reacts with humour
The clip quickly went viral, drawing amused reactions from social media users. Many urged the deputy to let Santa go quickly so that gift deliveries would not be delayed.
“Let that man go! He’s got a global shift to run and eight reindeer on standby,” joked one user. Another commented, “Santa carrying a concealed weapon — only in the USA!”
The light-hearted incident added a dash of humour to Christmas celebrations, showing that even Santa is not entirely above traffic rules — though he may get a little festive leniency.