'Santa Claus' robs Rhode Island yacht club bar

[December 21, 2010]  EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Call it a ho-ho-holdup.

Police say a man dressed as Santa Claus has robbed a Rhode Island yacht club.

Authorities say a bartender was alone in the East Providence Yacht Club Sunday night when a large man wearing a red suit, red hat, white beard and carrying a sack walked into the bar and brandished a gun.

The bartender fled and ran to a nearby business where she called 911.

By the time police arrived, the Santa bandit -- as well as an undetermined amount of cash from the register -- was missing.

Co-owner Tony Perry tells WLNE-TV he's just glad no one was hurt.

There were no immediate arrests.

[Associated Press]

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