EXETER, N.H. — On Christmas day, first responders in Exeter, New Hampshire arrived at the scene of a crash to find a familiar fictional character in the driver's seat.
Jon C. Williamson, 31, of Exeter, was wearing a full-body Grinch suit when the vehicle he was driving went off the road, striking a business's sign and mailbox, according to a Wednesday press release from the Exeter police.
The crash happened shortly before 6 p.m. at 66 Newfields Road. Police said it appeared that Williamson was traveling south when he became distracted near a curve and went off the roadway, damaging the mailbox and sign for The Wood Barn, a venue for live music, comedy, poetry, workshops, and private events.
When first responders arrived at the scene, the driver’s door was open and Williamson was seen wearing a full Grinch costume with his feet out of the vehicle on the ground, according to officials.
Williamson was evaluated by Exeter fire and rescue personnel and taken to Exeter Hospital, police said.
The vehicle sustained significant front-end damage, along with a smashed windshield and broken rear driver’s side window, according to the release.
"This was certainly a unique situation," Exeter Police Chief Stephan Poulin said in the release. "Officers never expected to arrive at the scene to find that an operator was wearing a Grinch suit behind the wheel, but it was Christmas night so not entirely outside the realm of possibility. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt."
The crash remains under investigation, according to police.
New England Truck Center towed the vehicle from the scene.
