A fugitive’s attempt to evade capture by imitating Santa Claus ended in embarrassment when he became stuck in a chimney.
Robert Langlais, 33, fled his home in Massachusetts alongside another suspect as police arrived with a search warrant.
While his accomplice managed a daring escape by jumping onto a parked car, Langlais opted for a more unconventional route—hiding inside a chimney. However, his festive-inspired plan quickly backfired.
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The incident unfolded in the city of Fall River, where local detectives from the Community Action & Suppression Team (CAST) were executing a warrant.
A chaotic series of events followed as Langlais attempted to slip away unnoticed.
A passerby walking his dog overheard muffled screams and flagged down an officer, pointing them toward a nearby house where Langlais had allegedly been seen entering the chimney.
Shocked by the unusual development, officers initially struggled to comprehend how Langlais had managed to get himself stuck.
One detective was heard asking in disbelief, “How did he do that?” The baffled response came: “I don’t know.”
The team then sprang into action, investigating inside the house and climbing onto the roof to confirm the report. Shining a flashlight into the narrow chimney, they spotted Langlais wedged tightly in the confined space.
Realizing the situation required specialist help, the officers called in the Fall River Fire Department and emergency medical services to assist in the delicate rescue operation.
Several firefighters worked to carefully free Langlais, who emerged from the ordeal miraculously uninjured.
Following a medical check at a local hospital, Langlais was arrested and taken into custody.
Authorities found him in possession of Class A and Class B drugs, alongside multiple charges stemming from outstanding warrants.
In addition to Langlais and his rooftop accomplice, a third individual, 32-year-old Tanisha Ibay, was also present at the scene.
Unlike Langlais, she did not attempt to flee and was arrested without incident on charges of possessing Class A and Class B drugs.
Langlais’ ill-fated escape attempt has since drawn widespread attention, with his chimney caper becoming a cautionary tale about the dangers of unconventional hiding places.
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SOURCE: Fugitive tries Santa Claus escape but gets stuck in CHIMNEY
