Crime & Safety
Motorcyclist Wearing Santa Suit Leads FL Police On Chase: Watch
Police said the St. Nick imposter was driving more than 120 mph on Citrus County roads before state troopers attempted to stop him.
CITRUS COUNTY, FL — A wannabe Santa took Florida state police on a holiday joyride last weekend when he traded in his sleigh for a motorcycle and led troopers on a high-speed chase in Citrus County.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol news release, the incident happened Saturday around 9 p.m. when a trooper spotted a white motorcycle traveling westbound on County Road 486 at Forest Ridge Boulevard.
Police said the motorcycle was being driven by a man in a Santa Claus suit and he was operating the vehicle in a "reckless manner" by weaving in and out of traffic. At one point, troopers clocked him traveling at more than 120 mph.
Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The sleigh must be in the shop, but last night Mr. Claus didn't pause for any cause. Anyone that recognizes ol' St. Nick please feel free to call *FHP (*347) and let us know! pic.twitter.com/UXB9M8qGaM
— FHP Tampa (@FHPTampa) December 22, 2024
According to police, a trooper briefly caught up to the motorcycle near County Road 486 and Brandywine Terrace, where they tried to stop it. When the driver refused to stop, authorities pursued him until they lost sight of the motorcycle at at County Road 491 and Black Diamond Circle.
As of Tuesday, the man had not been identified or apprehended, police said.
Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Florida Highway Patrol by calling *347.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
