Canva

'Santa' Bank Robber Threw Stolen Cash At Bystanders And Yelled, 'Merry Christmas'

Updated September 8, 2021

We all know what naughty children get at Christmastime, but what happens if Santa himself deserves to be on the naughty list?

A recent bank robbery ended with the thief quite dramatically tossing the stolen cash up in the air on the street and shouting "Merry Christmas" to the bewildered bystanders watching the scene unfold, CNN reported.

Identified by some news outlets as the "Santa Robber", the man was apparently in a generous mood when he decided to share his loot with the world. Or at least, a few random strangers.

On December 23 just before 12:30 PM, an older Colorado Springs man entered an Academy Bank location.

KKTV 11

According to police, the white-bearded man approached an employee while claiming to have a weapon in his pocket and took the cash.

Although police haven't released exact details on what happened next, one eye-witness said this bank heist took a rather unusual holiday-themed turn.

Dion Pascale, who was outside of the bank when the crook left, said the man decided to share his newfound wealth with strangers.

"He robbed the bank, came out, threw the money all over the place," Pascale told KKTV 11. "He started throwing money out of the bag and then said, 'Merry Christmas!'"

After making it rain, so to speak, the thief retreated to a nearby Starbucks to wait out police.

"It was almost like he wanted it to happen," Pascale said, referring to the man's inevitable arrest.

65-year-old David Wayne Oliver was taken into police custody.

Colorado Springs Police

No motive for the bizarre holiday heist has been given by police.

As for those standing on the street during the money storm, they reportedly gathered up the cash and returned the stolen money to the bank teller inside.

h/t: CNN, KKTV 11