December 3, 2009 11:34 AM

Elf Arrested for Santa Dynamite Hoax

(AP)  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.

© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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by Marcos989 December 3, 2009 6:13 PM EST
And just exactly where does one rent an ELF suit?
Hard times in North Pole?
Laid off disgruntled Elf's...geeze this'll be a merry xmas won't it?
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by I_am_me1953 December 3, 2009 1:12 PM EST
Guess he lost his place in line with The salvation Army and had to do something really quick to get his "three hot and a cot".
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by Oregon_State_OSU December 3, 2009 11:58 AM EST
Did they search the Bags under his Eyes for Explosives ?
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by us_1776 December 3, 2009 11:46 AM EST
Perfect symbolism for how Americans feel about Goldman Sachs and other bailed-out financial firm executives that took massive bonuses.
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