Santa Arrested After Beating Up Street Sign

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SAPULPA, Okla. --Police here know whether this particular Santa Claus has been naughty or nice. An officer responding to a call Christmas morning of a disturbance on the city's east side found James Lahl dressed as Santa Claus and hitting a street sign, according to a report.

Lahl, 53, had pulled a no parking sign from the ground and was beating another street sign with it, police allege.

As Officer Derrick Clayton approached the not-so-jolly St. Nick, he detected a strong odor of alcohol, and took Lahl into custody on a complaint of destruction of city property and public intoxication, according to the report.

Lahl, wearing a suit, hat, beard and gloves, remained in the Creek County jail on Monday.

Attempts to reach Lahl for comment were unsuccessful.

http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2005/12/27/santa_arrested_after_beating_street_sign?mode=PF