In a whimsical turn of events in Norfolk, Virginia, the local police department found themselves on an unexpected mission involving an unconventional suspect. A holiday investigation unfolded in the Mermaid City as officers set out to apprehend a mischievous creature causing chaos within a family’s home.
Contrary to expectations of the Grinch attempting to thwart Christmas festivities, the peculiar offender turned out to be none other than a little girl’s mischievous elf on the shelf. The elf, named Snowflake, had been riding candy canes, swinging from trees, and even engaging in a marshmallow-throwing spree across the city.
The memorable encounter left a lasting impression on 5-year-old Hailee Burks, who witnessed her beloved elf being taken into custody. Hailee’s father, Trenton Burks, recounted the incident, stating that officers asked the young girl to identify Snowflake before leading her to a police car. The Burks family captured the entire exchange on video, showcasing the elf in the back of a squad car with police lights flashing.
Amusingly, the family then followed the officers to Norfolk’s 2nd precinct to bail out Snowflake, who underwent the unique process of having her fingerprints taken.
Despite being under house arrest, Snowflake continued to stir up trouble at the Burks’ residence, cutting Hailee’s pajamas on one occasion.
The Burks family, grateful for the lighthearted experience, extended a “big shout out” to the Norfolk Police Department for turning a mischievous elf encounter into a memorable holiday experience and expressed their appreciation to officers by treating them to coffee and donuts.