Santa's helpers put Grinch behind bars

[TexasStooge]

By Alex Branch, Star-Telegram Staff Writer

FORT WORTH, Texas - Don't mess with Santa's helpers; they'll come after you.

A thief learned that the hard way Thursday while trying to steal children's gifts from the Salvation Army.

A hastily gathered band of Salvation Army workers not only chased and surrounded the bandit, but also helped police put him in jail for the holidays.

"Someone stealing from kids makes us all a little mad," said Manuel Anderson, music director of the Salvation Army of Tarrant County.

The gifts were part of the Angel Tree program, which receives donations for disadvantaged children. Each gift was destined for a specific child, said Amy Swayne, public relations director.