Madawaska police arrested the “Grinch,” saved Christmas and collected a heating oil donation all in one swift move.
The action started when the town of Madawaska collaborated with Larry’s One Stop and JSB Energy to turn a mock “Grinch” arrest into a donation of 100 gallons of heating oil that will later be raffled off.
Madawaska Police Department uploaded bodycam footage of the mock arrest with more information about the donation campaign to its Facebook page on Sunday night, and the town is abuzz. The post has already garnered more than 800 reactions and a multitude of shares.
“After receiving a report of a robbery in progress at Larry’s One Stop, Madawaska Police were quick to respond and even quicker to identify the suspect — described as none other than the Grinch himself,” the police posted on social media. “Thanks to a fast response, the Grinch was apprehended before Christmas could be stolen.”
The idea was pitched by Scott Beaulieu, who manages the store, Police Chief Jamie Pelletier said Tuesday.
Pelletier recalled being reluctant at first, not because he doesn’t enjoy having a bit of fun, but because he wasn’t sure how to go about making a false arrest. That was when Beaulieu offered the 100-gallon donation.
“That really piques my interest, because now we’re talking about someone benefiting from the act, which is something we always strive for,” Pelletier said.
The chief requested that the gift card be raffled off during the upcoming Police, Fire and Ice skate night event, which involves food, games, music and a “jail and bail” activity where guests can pay to have their friends arrested and put into a mock jail.
The skate night is held on the last weekend of February and is a collaboration between the town’s police, fire, EMS and rec departments, Pelletier said. It usually brings in around $1,000 for the local “Shop with a Cop” program, through which law enforcement officers and first responders bring kids to go shopping for their parents. The event typically ends with a gift wrapping and pizza party.
The 2025 event was held last week, with Madawaska police, emergency medical services, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and fire departments from Madawaska, Frenchville and St. Agatha participating. The group brought 14 students from Madawaska and Dr. Levesque elementary schools on a shopping trip to teach the gift of giving, police said.
Beaulieu was receptive to raffling off the heating oil, and the arrest was very much off the cuff and impromptu, Pelletier said. The chief credited Beaulieu for the idea, and said they successfully apprehended the Grinch and helped to save Christmas.
“No helicopters, K-9 Units, SWAT teams, or outside reinforcements were required during this operation,” the department posted, “just solid police work, a sharp eye, and deep familiarity with the community.”
