Santa Claus Swaps Sleigh for Police Cruiser, Hands Out Gift Cards to Unsuspecting Drivers

Santa Claus, played by Officer Alberto Acevado, stopped five cars earlier this week in his "patrol sleigh" and handed out a $50 Target gift card.

Who needs Rudolph when you have sirens to guide your "sleigh?"

A police officer traded his hat for a Santa cap this week as he drove around his jurisdiction in New York, offering drivers gift cards and candy canes instead of a ticket.

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"When police are behind you with sirens, you're not expecting a good outlook," Suffolk County Police Commissioner Timothy Fini told InsideEdition.com. "This was a nice twist for folks."

Santa Claus, played by Officer Alberto Acevado, stopped five cars around the Long Island area earlier this week in his "patrol sleigh" and handed each driver he stopped a $50 Target gift card, donated by the store, and candy canes.

"We had some great reactions from folks," Fini said. "They were generally surprised and had fun with it."

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He said the gesture was the department's way of saying happy holidays and spreading some Christmas cheer.

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