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Two in Santa outfits arrested at Dayton Mall

Eyewitness video: Santa arrested at the mall At youtube.com
Witnesses say arrests of Santas ‘over the top’

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By Tim Tresslar, Staff Writer Updated 7:42 AM Monday, December 20, 2010

MIAMI TWP., Montgomery County — Two women who were part of a group of adults dressed like Santa Claus were arrested Saturday evening at the Dayton Mall, and police still were sorting out the details of the incident on Sunday.

A busload of revelers dressed as Santa — some of whom were allegedly intoxicated — descended Saturday evening on the Dayton Mall, said John DiPietro, deputy chief of the Miami Twp. police.

The group, between 75 and 100 in number, reportedly planned to assemble near the mall’s Santa Claus and sing Christmas tunes with off-color lyrics, DiPietro said.

“I’m sorry, a shopping mall that is full of kids and families at the holidays, that’s just not appropriate,” he said. “Shame on them for making that decision.”

According to earlier reports, mall security called township police at 8:30 p.m. Those officers sent out an “officer needs assistance” call that drew responses from Metroparks, Washington Twp., West Carrollton and Centerville.

DiPietro said police arrested two adult females, one of whom allegedly struck a police officer.

“That’s a horrible decision,” DiPietro said. “You never approach an officer in an aggressive fashion like that.”

DiPietro didn’t identify the women.

Mall officials could not be reached Sunday for comment.

An eyewitness posted cell phone video on YouTube; you can view it here .

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