Shelby County Sheriff’s Office arrests The Grinch, saves Christmas
www.abc3340.com Dec 23, 2013 By Ben Culpepper
COLUMBIANA, Ala. — Christmas has been saved and the gift-stealing, green-faced Grinch is behind bars Monday thanks to some great police work by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a news release, 56-year-old The Grinch, of Whoville, was taken into custody by deputies at an unknown hideout, where he was waiting to snatch Christmas joy from the hearts of children everywhere.
“Children throughout Shelby County can sleep soundly tonight, as the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has apprehended the famed Christmas thief, The Grinch,” the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities were tipped off to the Grinch’s whereabouts by a concerned Whoville resident, Cindy Lou, who told deputies the suspect was headed their way. A short time later, deputies spotted Grinch’s dog, Max, at the Alabaster Dog Park, where special investigators managed to plant a hidden microphone on the pet’s collar. And as expected, the suspect told Max of all his devious plans, prompting an arrest warrant to be issued.
“Investigators found that Grinch was secretly setting up his operations in Shelby County, waiting for Christmas to come. Once Investigators had the evidence, deputies apprehended Grinch after a short footchase.”
Following his arrest, Grinch was left puzzled, telling investigators during interrogation, “How could it be so? It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes or bags!”
The arrest couldn’t have come at a better time as Grinch planned to steal trees, ornaments, decorations and children’s presents just two days before Christmas. He’ll now spend the holidays in a cold jail cell, where he’s being held without bond.
“My hopes are that the citizens of our county can now relax and have a very Merry Christmas, and enjoy their families and feasts without the fear of this anti-holiday beast,” Sheriff Chris Curry said upon helping book the Grinch into the Shelby County Jail.
Before slamming the door shut on his jail cell, Curry told the suspect, “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch. You really are a heel.”
His last message to Grinch?
“Merry Christmas.”