Hannibal 'Santa' seeks out naughty drivers

HANNIBAL, Mo. (AP) -- Every child knows it: Santa's gonna find out who's naughty and nice. In the northeast Missouri town of Hannibal, the naughty include drivers cruising through red lights.

Hannibal police officer Joel Combs stood at the busy intersection of U.S. 61 and Route MM Wednesday, dressed as Santa and holding a handwritten cardboard sign reading, "Don't be Naughty!" In fact, Combs was watching for any drivers who drove through red lights. When they did, Santa pulled out his radio and alerted another officer in a patrol car.

Police say the intersection was targeted because accidents are common there. Several residents have told police the intersection is worrisome.

Authorities say Santa will be on patrol three more times this week.

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Information from: Hannibal Courier-Post, http://www.hannibal.net