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.
Read: Cop Drives Disabled Elderly Woman Home After She Struggles To Carry Groceries
"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."
He said the gesture was the department's way of saying happy holidays and spreading some Christmas cheer.
Watch: Police Donate Christmas Trees - and All Their Trimmings - to 10 Families in Need
Trending on Inside Edition

Paramedics Charged With Murder of Earl Moore, Black Man Killed During Mental Health Episode, Appear in Court
Crime
Idaho Murder Victim Sustained 'Sharp-Force Injuries,' Scene Had 'Substantial Amount of Blood:' Police
Crime
New Mystery Surrounds Sudden Death of California Public Defender on Wedding Anniversary Trip at Mexican Resort
Crime
Murder Suspect Gets Retrial After Letter From Late Wife Warning He Might Hurt Her Is Deemed Inadmissible
Crime
Man Lost at Sea Rescued by Colombian Navy After 24 Days, Lived Off Ketchup, Seasoning, and Soup
Human Interest
Missing Wife of Murder Suspect Brian Walshe Vouched for Husband in Letter to Judge, Helping Him Avoid Prison
Crime