Student 'twas to blame for stolen Rudolph shame

[December 19, 2008]  WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) -- The theft of a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer decoration from a Santa's House display in northern Pennsylvania proved an irresistible inspiration for police poetry.

Sgt. Brett Williams began the report on the Williamsport Police morning watch hot sheet, "'Twas the week before Christmas..." and the familiar rhythm took hold. He described how early Wednesday, "there arose such a clatter. I answered the radio to see what was the matter."

Williams told how patrolmen investigating the theft from the display near City Hall traced fresh footprints in the slush to a nearby building. He concluded with the questioning of a 21-year-old college student who, "with his head held in shame ... admitted he was to blame."

Officials are withholding the student's name until he's officially charged. Police Chief Gregory Foresman said he'll be mailed a summons charging him with theft.

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Information from: Williamsport Sun-Gazette, http://www.sungazette.com/

[Associated Press]

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