What is going on? the suspect says protesting his innocence, before complying with the order.
Another suspect was captured resisting arrest before Santa comes charging down a hill to tackle him from behind.
Someone filming can be heard shouting: Get him Santa.
In a statement on their Facebook page Riverside Police said: “Detectives and loss prevention conducted video surveillance inside the store as other detectives and officers remained outside to help detain any theft suspects.
“Of those waiting outside were a detective and officer dressed as Santa Claus and his elf. As the suspects exited the store with merchandise they just stole, Santa and his elf were waiting to take them into custody for the theft.”
Undercover Cops Posing as Santa and Elf Nab Suspected Car Thieves
Det. Paul Miranda was one of several Riverside Police Officers working undercover Thursday at the Target in Canyon Springs Shopping Center. We worked inside the store, identified shoplifters and when they split the scene, Santa was there to take them into custody, Miranda said.
Santa, who is a detective, and his trusty sidekick elf, another officer. Both jumped into action when another officer spotted a car being stolen from the parking lot as two other men ran from the scene.
One elf cornered a very confused suspect, and held him like gunpoint.
Santa and an Elf Take Down a Shoplifter in a Parking Lot 96krock.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from 96krock.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Undercover cops dressed as Santa and elf filmed taking down suspected car thieves
Updated: Dec 13 2020, 20:07 ET
UNDERCOVER cops disguised as Santa Claus and an elf stopped suspected car-jackers in their tracks.
Video shows the bizarre arrest in Southern California after the crime-busting duo were tipped-off about men allegedly casing cars to steal.
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He then tackles the suspected car thiefCredit: Riverside Police
The drama unfolded in Riverside Thursday afternoon as the undercover cops were conducting an operation targeting shoplifters.
They then got reports of three suspicious men who were allegedly looking for vehicles to steal, police said.
The video shows the elf pointing a gun at one of the suspected car thieves.
Get Him, Santa! St Nick and Elf Tackle Suspected Thieves in Riverside msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.