Santa Claus nearly found himself in a bit of a holiday predicament, but fortunately, he avoided a lump of coal just in time.

An elderly couple, festively dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus, were stopped for speeding in Ohio while en route to visit their daughter.

As a deputy from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office approached their car, he was taken aback by the unexpected sight.

The man, clad in his Santa attire, informed the deputy that he possessed a concealed-carry weapon permit, adding a twist to the already unusual encounter. (Source: Fulton County Ohio Sheriff)

“Santa,” remarked the deputy with a chuckle, as captured by bodycam footage released by the sheriff’s office.

The man dressed as St. Nick told the deputy he has a “CCW,” a permit for a concealed carry weapon.

“Santa has a CCW?” the deputy replied. “Times are rough.”

“You got to protect yourself,” Santa said. 

The deputy asked the bearded driver for his driver’s license and explained that he pulled him over for speeding. 

Police bodycam footage shows a driver dressed as Santa getting pulled over in Ohio.  (Fulton County Ohio Sheriff)

Santa got out of the vehicle, noting that he was “100 years old” as he struggled to exit the vehicle. 

“Santa, slow your speed down,” the deputy said. 

“It’s Nick, you know!” Mrs. Claus said from the passenger seat.

“I’ll get Rudolph on you!” Santa told the deputy. 

The deputy then asked Santa for a photo. All three then wished one another a Merry Christmas.

Santa Claus was pulled over for speeding in Ohio.  (Fulton County Ohio Sheriff)

“Ho ho *hold on!* Santa and Mrs. Claus were spotted flying a little too fast through Fulton County. No coal was issued—just a friendly reminder that even sleighs need to slow down. Christmas is still on schedule! Stay safe and happy holidays!” the sheriff’s department wrote on Facebook.