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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sirens & Gavels

‘Santa Claus’ sought in armed robbery

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Call it a ho-ho-holdup.

Police say a man dressed as Santa Claus has robbed a Rhode Island yacht club.

Authorities say a bartender was alone in the East Providence Yacht Club Sunday night when a large man wearing a red suit, red hat, white beard and carrying a sack walked into the bar and brandished a gun.

The bartender fled and ran to a nearby business where she called 911.

By the time police arrived, the Santa bandit — as well as an undetermined amount of cash from the register — was missing.

Co-owner Tony Perry tells WLNE-TV he's just glad no one was hurt.

There were no immediate arrests.



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