Kids and cops crack Christmas case at West Edmonton Mall
Local kids teamed up with Edmonton police officers Sunday to solve a festive whodunnit at West Edmonton Mall.
Children from the Bent Arrow Healing Society arrived at a holiday brunch with Santa Claus to find Father Christmas missing.
After hearing eyewitness reports from Santa's elves, the junior detectives partnered up with Edmonton police officers to find their suspect – The Grinch.
"I think this is a really cool deal," said Greg Ettinger, there with his granddaughter. "These people are great, they're treating the kids wonderful … The kids are loving every minute of this."
The teams followed clues, stocked up on sweet treats and picked up lost presents along the way with stops at Build-a-Bear and It'Sugar. Soon, Santa was saved.
Teams of detectives stopped at several stores in West Edmonton Mall Sunday during their search to save Santa from the Grinch. (Miriam Valdes-Carletti)One mother at the event said it was a blessing to be able to take part in the holiday mystery with her family.
"We're just overwhelmed and feeling the caring and compassion and it's just a really great experience...I hope that more people could experience it, it's something the kids will never forget," said Crystal Prince.
Operation Save Santa is a partnership between the Edmonton Police Foundation and Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society.
EPS Chief Dale McFee said the event is a positive way to connect officers with the community and help spread some holiday cheers for families in need.
"Last year was exceptional, this year was exceptional again," McFee said. "A grandma who was with us and looking after two boys said this was the best day of her life … that's why we're here."
"This is why I joined the job," said EPS officer Gabriel Francisco. "Being out in the community is number one for me and what better way to do that."
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Miriam Valdes-Carletti
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979388.1722030190!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former U.S. president’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.