Purcell Police: Mystery Santa Not A Threat

A mystery Santa Claus thought to be a possible predator is actually just a man trying to spread some Christmas cheer, according to the Purcell Police Department.

Police put out an alert Tuesday that someone dressed as Santa was going up to children at school bus stops and offering them candy and stockings. Police were worried he may be preying on children.

12/18/2012 Related Story: Purcell Police Warn Of Possible Predator Dressed As Santa

On Wednesday morning, however, Purcell police sent a message on the Twitter account saying the Santa was "completely harmless," and not a threat to children:

@purcellpd: The "suspicious" Santa passing out candy 2 kids was located. Completely HARMLESS. Just bad timing 4 a old man trying 2 b nice

The Purcell Police Department says there's no reason for parents or the community to worry.