Orange County Sheriff Deputies Arrest Grinch, Save Christmas

MISSION VIEJO, CA — Rejoice, Orange County: Christmas has been saved — for now. The Grinch was caught "green-handed" by the Orange County Sheriff deputies Tuesday morning, the OCSD reported on Instagram.

The arrest occurred when a suspicious person was reported in Santa's Village in Mission Viejo. The person was impersonating Santa Claus himself, and was caught by deputies trying to steal Christmas presents from the village, the OCSD said. The Grinch was subsequently taken to an Orange County jail, where his bail was not disclosed by authorities.

Unfortunately for Orange County residents, deputies said the Grinch promised to bail out of jail soon, and vowed that he will be back:

• Checking for unlocked cars to steal from.
• Shattering car windows with valuables in plain view.
• Looking in mailboxes for unclaimed mail (especially gift cards).
• Looking for purses left in shopping carts at grocery stores.
• Taking your packages from your porches.
• Stealing catalytic converters.

If you see the Grinch up to no good and trying to steal Christmas cheer, authorities said, please work together to report the suspicious activity.