The Aurora Police Department (APD) has released body camera footage of an officer tackling a man dressed as the Grinch who allegedly tried to steal a Christmas tree.
The incident, which involved a man wearing a Christmas-themed Grinch costume, occurred on Dec. 20, according to the timestamp on the video. (Related: Video shows man confronting Grinch outside New Mexico preschool)
APD announced in a statement on social media that they captured the alleged villain, “Green Hand,” after a “foot chase in downtown Aurora.”
Grinch caught in holiday heist
AURORA, IL — The Aurora Police Department (APD) today announced the arrest of a notorious holiday criminal known only as “The Grinch” after a foot chase in downtown Aurora. pic.twitter.com/9uE0yG0zFq
— Aurora Police Department (@AuroraPoliceIL) December 23, 2024
“Oh, there we go again,” the officer remarked upon seeing the costumed man, suggesting this was not APD's first encounter with him.
Video shows the Grinch attempting to flee shortly after officers announced his presence. This led to a chase. The chase ended when the Grinch collapsed on the snow as the police chased him.
As the officers began making arrests, the Grinch was heard saying, “I want a lawyer.” The video then skipped to the Grinch being led into a police car.
“What's on you?” one of the officers asked the suspect.
“No, I want a lawyer!” the costumed man was heard saying. The officers then assaulted the man and forced him into a car.
Grinch allegedly stated he was just 'borrowing' the tree, ABC 7 News reported.
The Grinch is a character in a Dr. Seuss book of the title How the Grinch Stole Christmas! In the children's novel, the Grinch is a mischievous, misanthropic green creature who reforms and embraces the holiday spirit after stealing Christmas-related items (including a Christmas tree) .
