SPRING, Texas — The infamous Grinch was caught trying to steal Christmas cheer from Spring ISD schools so police arrested him and hauled him away to jail.
The investigation began after students and staff reported seeing a furry green creature with a twisted smile and a Santa Claus suit sneaking around campuses and causing trouble. Surveillance cameras caught him walking on conference room tables, napping and even propping his feet up on desks.
The Grinch's shenanigans started at Burchett Elementary School where classroom decorations mysteriously disappeared and stockings were emptied. Then Burchett principal Na’Carol Dixon-Hall discovered the sneaky Grinch sitting at her desk. He even hammed it up with Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Lupita Hinojosa before slithering away.
The Grinch was then spotted at Wells Middle School trying to swipe the decorations from the annual holiday concert.
"Witnesses claim they heard him muttering something about 'no singing in Whoville' and 'silent nights' while trying to stuff an entire Christmas tree into a sack three sizes too small," Spring ISD police said.
The grumpy Grinch's next stop was The Bailey School for Performing & Visual Arts but this time, Spring ISD police officers were ready for him. After they arrested him, several students confirmed that he was the culprit they'd seen.
The Grinch is currently in custody at the North Pole Detention Center where he faces charges of holiday hooliganism and merry mischief-making.
PHOTO GALLERY: Grinch arrested in Spring
Grinch arrested in Spring
"The Grinch might have thought he could steal Christmas, but he clearly underestimated the festive spirit of Spring ISD," SISD Police Chief Matthew Rodrigue said. "We were determined to protect the joy and merriment of our students, and we did just that."