Instead of tickets, Santa and Punta Gorda police hand out candy canes

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – Santa, along with the Punta Gorda Police Department, took to the road to give drivers an unlikely surprise on Tuesday.

Instead of tickets, they gave away candy canes and advice.

“Usually at first it’s shock, not understanding why Santa is getting out of a patrol car and then they usually tend to laugh about it quite a bit and then i think towards the end it’s just relief,” Punta Gorda police officer Justin Kleiver said.

The department wanted to educate drivers about the rules of the road.

Officers said the best part was seeing smiles as motorists drove off ticket-free.

“I think that was awesome, it was definitely awesome,” Zachery Grant said.

Santa was also pleased.

“I think they have all learned their lesson and they are good drivers,” he said.