GRINCH WHO STOLE ERIKA’S CHRISTMAS RUDOLPH CHARGED
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
DWIGHT — The party’s on Saturday … and Santa wins by a nose.
His visit to Erika’s Bakery —10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — will have a happy ending thanks to the return of Rudolph, says Tanya Grainger who runs the store with her sister.
She told MuskokaTODAY.com that “everyone is ecstatic” after a Grinch stole the decorative reindeer, which welcomed customers on their front porch.
On Saturday, Dec. 5 just before 5 p.m., the wiry, white-light figurine was lifted from his perch next to Santa’s sleigh.
Police in Huntsville and Parry Sound pounced on the thief with the help of security video the Graingers posted on Facebook with the ominous reminder that the thief(s) are “Definitely on Santa’s naughty list.”
As a result of the OPP investigation — and public help — on Monday 38-year-old Ryian Cheverette, of Parry Sound, was arrested and charged with:
Theft under $5000 contrary to section 334(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada;
Two counts of failure to comply with probation order contrary to section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
He was released to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice, Huntsville, Jan. 20, 2021.
And Santa flew home courtesy of the OPP who had fun with a new spin on their Stuff a Cruiser campaign.
The Graingers said “he lost his scarf and bell, but otherwise is very happy to be home.”
After officers reunited Rudolph to his rightful place, Erika and Tanya who had kept customers up-dated on the Christmas caper via social media, posted this note.
“Here is a picture of our Rudolph back with a note that he would like to share with everyone:
‘I’m Rudolph, the missing deer and I’m happy to be home.
Thanks to everyone who cared about my safety and helped me find my way home.
A big thank you to Huntsville OPP & West Parry Sound OPP who brought me home last night.
A sleigh is more familiar to me than a police car.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Facebook.’”
And everyone is happy — save for a certain suspect.
The Graingers added that “a wonderful lady dropped by (Monday) after hearing we had lost our reindeer and brought us another one.
“When she arrived here she found out that our reindeer had been returned, but she still wanted us to keep a friend for Rudolph.
“So as the story continues, we think Rudolph has a girlfriend now and they seem to like each other’s company.
“This has been quite the unexpected adventure for all of us. The year 2020 is definitely a year to remember.
“Again we live and work in an amazing thoughtful community, thank you.
Merry Christmas!!!!”
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