San Francisco: Santa Claus has been arrested in the US state of Idaho and that too for drunk driving. However, there is a catch as the person in question is
not the world famous red and white clad Santa riding a sledge but a 67-year-old man whose legal name is Santa Claus.
He has hit headlines for his uncanny name while for the other Santa Claus it is off season after the busy Christmas time. Court documents stated that police officers in Post Falls, Idaho, arrested the Washington man named Santa Claus
after he was spotted driving the wrong way.
Claus ended with a driving under the influence (DUI) arrest, KREM-TV reported.
The charge was reduced last Friday to misdemeanour reckless driving when Claus appeared in court. He pleaded guilty and paid a USD 700 fine. Officers arrested Claus a day before.
Claus stated he was not from the area and was unfamiliar with the streets. Police said they could smell alcohol coming from the vehicle when they spoke to Claus. Court records showed Claus admitted to having three or four beers.
Officers at the scene conducted a field evaluation of Claus and said he had difficulty maintaining his balance. He later agreed to submit a breath test. Police arrested Santa Claus for DUI but noted he was "cooperative throughout".
