A single father was left shocked after learning that his children’s Christmas gifts were stolen by a trusted family member and sold off for drugs just days before the holiday season.
Kids Christmas gifts stolen by bad grandpa
Reports from Dec. 20, filed by the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department, revealed the tragic incident.
A man from Paw Paw, Michigan, allegedly took presents meant for his four grandchildren—gifts that were provided through the county’s “Shop with the Sheriff” initiative—and traded them for methamphetamine. Authorities identified the suspect as 62-year-old Donald Lucas Sr.
Lucas Sr.’s son, Don Lucas Jr., who is the father of the four children, was devastated by the ordeal.
Speaking to Fox 17, he said, “I was crying. I was breaking up crying over it. What am I going to do? I cannot believe that somebody would come and steal the gifts from the kids.”
The theft reportedly amounted to items valued at over $1,000. According to local reports, Lucas Sr. was staying with the family for a short period during the holidays when he allegedly committed the act.
The sheriff’s department expressed frustration over his lack of cooperation. “The grandfather would not cooperate with our office to get the grandchildren’s gifts back,” officials stated.
Sheriff’s office comes through after Christmas gifts stolen
Fortunately, the children’s Christmas wasn’t ruined. The sheriff’s office, local schools, and members of the community came together to save the day.
They raised funds and collected gift cards to replace the stolen presents and took the family on a shopping trip.
“Our office, Paw Paw Schools, and misc. others gathered up money and gift cards to make their Christmas whole again,” officials said.
“We took them out on a shopping spree and made it a Christmas they won’t forget. I personally cannot thank everyone enough for what they did to help make this happen.”
Don Lucas Jr. shared his heartfelt gratitude for the unexpected support they received. “I want to say, thank you, and Merry Christmas,” he told Fox 17. “And it just blew my mind. How many people stepped up to help us.”
The children, whose holiday spirits were restored through the community’s kindness, reportedly received over $500 worth of gifts each.
Santa flees from the cops
Meanwhile, down in Florida, law enforcement authorities are hunting for a man dressed as Santa Claus who fled from the police on a motorcycle.
The incident occurred on Saturday, Dec. 21, at around 9 p.m., when Florida Highway Patrol troopers alleged the suspect was speeding at 120 mph in Beverly Hills, approximately 80 miles north of Tampa.
Video footage shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, showed the individual—clad in a Santa suit—evading capture by cutting through a gas station before continuing onto a nearby road.
The sleigh must be in the shop, but last night Mr. Claus didn’t pause for any cause. Anyone that recognizes ol’ St. Nick please feel free to call *FHP (*347) and let us know! pic.twitter.com/UXB9M8qGaM
— FHP Tampa (@FHPTampa) December 22, 2024
Florida Highway Patrol shared a tongue-in-cheek warning on their social media account, stating,
“The sleigh must be in the shop, but last night Mr. Claus didn’t pause for any cause. Anyone that recognizes ol’ St. Nick please feel free to call FHP (347) and let us know.”
Woman flees scene after mowing down teenager
Meanwhile, in Palm Coast, a 37-year-old woman is facing charges after allegedly hitting a 16-year-old boy with her pickup truck and fleeing the scene.
According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Sarah Wright struck the teen as he was crossing the street on his scooter, heading home from school.
Instead of staying at the scene, authorities alleged that Wright briefly exited her Chevrolet Silverado, covered part of her license plate with tape and paper, and then drove off.
Fortunately, witnesses and technology worked together to uncover her identity. A witness was able to jot down part of her license plate number before Wright covered it. Additionally, a neighborhood Ring camera captured Wright’s truck leaving the scene.
Sheriff’s deputies didn’t have to look far. Using license plate reader technology and tips from the public, officers tracked Wright down within hours.
Police in Flagler County spotted the vehicle allegedly driving recklessly on Interstate 95, weaving through multiple lanes before exiting the highway.
Officers intercepted her at a gas station, where she appeared “visibly distraught and upset as she was crying,” per their report.
Further investigation revealed that Wright’s license had been suspended since Dec. 3 due to an unpaid traffic fine.
Compounding her legal troubles, records showed it wasn’t her first offense—she had been convicted three times for driving with a suspended license.
This time, Wright was charged with leaving the scene of a crash with injuries and driving on a suspended license. She reportedly posted her $7,000 bond shortly afterward.
The teen she struck is on the path to recovery, thanks to bystanders, detailed witness accounts, and rapid investigative work by local deputies.
