Ohio Deputy Pulls Over Santa Claus for Speeding, Shares Lighthearted Exchange on Concealed Carry Permit
FULTON COUNTY, Ohio — In a holiday encounter blending festive spirit with a touch of reality, a man dressed as Santa Claus was pulled over for speeding by a Fulton County sheriff’s deputy, leading to a memorable exchange that has since captured public attention. The incident, which occurred while the couple was en route to visit their daughter, was recorded on bodycam and released by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, offering a glimpse of Christmas magic meeting everyday law enforcement duties.
The deputy approached the vehicle and immediately recognized the man as Santa Claus, prompting a chuckle and a lighthearted greeting. The driver, embodying the spirit of St. Nick complete with a white beard and festive attire, informed the deputy that he held a concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit. “Santa has a CCW?” the deputy asked with surprise. “Times are rough,” Santa replied, adding with a smile, “You got to protect yourself.” This candid moment reflects the ongoing conversations around personal safety and concealed carry permits, which are regulated by state authorities such as the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
Despite the jovial atmosphere, the deputy proceeded with standard protocol, requesting Santa’s driver’s license and explaining the reason for the stop — speeding. The man, jokingly noting that he was “100 years old,” had some difficulty exiting the vehicle, which only added to the festive charm of the encounter. Mrs. Claus, seated beside him, chimed in with holiday cheer, prompting Santa to quip, “I’ll get Rudolph on you!”
The deputy also asked for a photo, capturing the moment for posterity. All parties exchanged warm Christmas wishes before the deputy reminded Santa to slow down, underscoring that even in the holiday season, safety on the roads remains paramount. The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office shared the footage on their official Facebook page, noting, “No coal was issued — just a friendly reminder that even sleighs need to slow down.”
This incident highlights the lighter side of law enforcement interactions during the holiday season, a time when officers often balance community engagement with public safety responsibilities. The Office of Justice Programs notes that such community policing efforts can foster trust and goodwill between law enforcement and the public.
While the stop was ultimately routine, it serves as a reminder that even Santa Claus must abide by traffic laws, and that deputies are prepared to handle all manner of holiday encounters with professionalism and a sense of humor. As the holiday season continues, this story offers a heartwarming example of how law enforcement and community members can share moments of levity amid their duties.
For more information on concealed carry regulations in Ohio, visit the Ohio Attorney General’s Concealed Carry page. To learn about community policing initiatives, see resources from the Community Oriented Policing Services at the U.S. Department of Justice.
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