A police officer prevented a Grinch-like thief from ruining Christmas for one family in Aurora, Illinois.
"'The officer who saved Christmas,'" Officer Jason Sheldon of the Aurora Police Department said. "It's got a nice, fun ring to it, for sure."
Nicole Ross said she was in her house for about five minutes while she kept her car running. In that time, a thief hopped in her car and drove away.
Ross was upset about losing her car, especially with the items left in it: All of the toys on her son's Christmas wish list.
"I had just spent like $200 on Christmas shopping for my son," she said.
But Ross was met with good news when police arrived — her car had been found.
Not far away, Sheldon spotted the car almost immediately. He made a traffic stop and arrested driver, 18-year-old Tandre Felix, who was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle.
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Ross' car was returned with the presents still inside.
"I feel like it's a very rare thing to actually get your car back and I'm just really grateful and blessed that I was able to get my car back," she said.
Police say this should be a reminder to never leave your car running unattended.
