Santa Claus Shot Down Over Brazil
Wed, 19 Dec '07
Some Places, Kris Kringle Just Ain't Welcome
A helicopter transporting a man dressed as Santa Claus was shot down Sunday over a slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Reuters reports no one was hurt in the incident, which forced the helicopter to make an emergency landing. Shots rang out as the helo overflew Nova Mare, an area known for rampant drug trafficking.
Police in the region often stay out of Nova Mare and Rio's over 700 other slums. When officers do show up, it is often en masse, accompanied by armored vehicles and helicopters.
Brazilian officials say they don't believe Santa was directly targeted -- but rather chalked up the incident to mistaken identity.
It also takes more than a little gunfire to discourage Santa Claus. The brave Santa latered returned to Nova Mare, via car, to distribute his gifts.
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