Police Searching For Santa Claus Lookalike In Vacaville
VACAVILLE (CBS13) -- Vacaville police officers are looking for a man who reportedly looks like Santa Claus and tried to lure a 5-year-old boy into his car.
"He described him as an older gentleman with a white beard. He said it looks like Santa Claus," said Mark Mazzaferro with the city of Vacaville.
That description was given to police after the 5-year-old told his mother that while he was walking home from Callison Elementary School, a Santa Claus lookalike tried to lure him into his car.
Santa's early arrival has some parents on edge.
"That makes it even worse that this guy is portraying someone all kids love," Vacaville resident CJ Hogue said.
On a day when kids, and some adults, dress up, parents in the area say they'll have to keep a closer eye on their children just in case Santa makes another unwelcome visit.
"Being around Halloween it's very alluring for them to do," Vacaville resident Tonya Sorbikourmarom said. "I think a kid is more likely to go to a car (with someone) looking like Santa around Halloween."
So far there are no witnesses, only the 5-year-old's description, and police have been unable to track down the fake Santa, but parents say now is as good a time as ever to remind their kids about the dangers of strangers.
"Vacaville's a good city," David Copeland said. "It's not too hard to be a parent around here, but you gotta watch out no matter where you are."
Police say the man they are looking for was wearing a red hat and could be driving a charcoal-colored pick-up truck similar to a Ford F-150.
