Cops have been forced to taser the Grinch after he tried to steal Christmas from a family home.
Police received a call about an active burglary at around 5.30pm on 11 December.
The suspect now faces charges of 1st-degree stealing Christmas and 3rd-degree onion breath, according to the authorities.
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Of course, the incident was a festive prank by a good-humoured police department.
And local residents are loving it.
Alongside a video of the ‘arrest’, a police statement on Facebook read: “Many of these incidents have been occurring around town involving a suspect described as being furry and green, wearing a Santa hat and jacket.
“Officers arrived on scene and located the suspect in the victim’s home, attempting to steal a Christmas tree and gifts.”
The department also shared hilarious body-cam footage which shows two cops arriving at a home in Pickens, South Carolina, US.
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They catch the green suspect in the act.
The Grinch is seen apparently raiding presents from under the Christmas tree.
He turns and runs around the living room before fleeing through the front door.
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The officers give chase and manage to taser the suspect.
They then handcuff the snub-nosed creature on the ground.
A mugshot of the Grinch appears at the end of the clip.
Pickens Police Department said: “After a short foot pursuit and being tased, the suspect was taken into custody.
“The suspect was identified as The Grinch and is linked to several burglaries around town where presents and Christmas trees were stolen along with onions from the kitchen.”
The police added that the suspect has been charged with “1st-degree stealing Christmas and 3rd-degree onion breath”.
The video was shared on Facebook where it amassed 25,000 views and dozens of comments, as reported by What’s The Jam.
One local said: “Lol, I’m dead! I saw you all doing this yesterday as I was coming home and I was like ‘What in the hell’, I should had known.”
Tracy wrote: “I freaking love this, I really needed this smile today, I lost my mom the day before Thanksgiving, my soul is broke, thank you and God Bless.”
Jana commented: My boys died laughing, ‘Mom you usually don’t let us watch police videos… wait, is this a publicity stunt?’”
Betty remarked: “Job well done getting the Grinch off the streets for now. Stay safe everyone.”
Susan said: “Great job to our crime fighting, Christmas saving, hometown heroes.”
Pickens Police Department said: “Have a Merry Christmas!”
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