Elf Arrested for Santa Dynamite Hoax

A 45-year-old man dressed as an elf to have his picture taken with a mall Santa Claus has been jailed after telling the Santa that he was carrying dynamite.

Police told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Southlake Mall in suburban Atlanta was evacuated but no explosives were found.

Morrow police arrested William C. Caldwell III, who was being held without bond Thursday in the Clayton County jail.

Police say Caldwell got in line Wednesday evening to have his picture taken with Santa Claus. Caldwell was not part of the mall's Christmas staff.

Police say when Caldwell reached the front of the line, he told Santa he had dynamite in his bag. Santa called mall security and Caldwell was arrested.

Caldwell faces several charges, including having hoax devices and making terroristic threats.