CHILTON COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) - The Chilton County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) may have saved Christmas for all as the infamous Grinch from Whoville was apprehended during the Stanton Christmas parade last month.
The Grinch, 53, of Whoville, is facing charges of attempted theft of property, unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle, attempting to elude the Christmas spirit and possession of a green leafy substance.
The Grinch told investigators the leafy substance was mistletoe.
The Grinch, known for his attempts at stealing Christmas and other general mischief, was spotted on Nov. 30 in Stanton. According to officials with the CCSO, witnesses saw the furry green menace in action.
“Spectators watched in disbelief as he helped himself to an impressive amount of parade gifts, stuffing them into a lumpy sack that looked like it had lost every fight it ever had,” authorities said. “Witnesses reported seeing the Grinch wobbling through the crowd, waving candy canes like victory flags, all while wearing a Santa suit that had been reported stolen earlier that morning from the Stanton Community Center.”
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Chilton County Investigator Derrick Bone was in the area and saw the Grinch attempt to steal a Kubota side-by-side “loaded with gifts.”
“With the determination of someone running on a potent mix of coffee and energy drinks, Investigator Bone sprinted into action, dodging parade floats, weaving through tinsel, and cutting through Christmas cheer, until he finally caught up to the Grinch and brought the chaos to a merry halt,” officials said.
As a result of the arrest, the 53-year-old Grinch has had his probation revoked by District Judge Chris Speaks stemming from charges last Christmas.
Authorities hope his time behind bars will be beneficial for Whoville’s most notorious thief.
The Grinch was taken to the Chilton County Jail with officials saying it will hopefully give “him time to reflect and realize that the true meaning of Christmas comes without ribbons, without packages, without boxes or bags... and certainly without chaos at the Stanton Christmas Parade!”
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There is currently no word if Max, a Dachshund known to accompany the Grinch, was involved in any of the parade mischief.
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