Police: Squirrel blamed for vandalizing Christmas lights

It was a squirrel that nearly stole Christmas in a Jersey Shore town.
News 12 New Jersey previously reported Sea Girt officials’ investigation into reported vandalism when wires to the town's Christmas tree and display were seemingly sabotaged. Workers quickly made repairs so that the town’s annual Christmas tree lighting could go on as scheduled last Friday.
Police kept watch over the display this weekend and on Saturday posted a photo on Facebook of the culprit, a squirrel.
“We are happy that no human acted as a Grinch in this incident,” the Facebook post said. The post also jokingly said that the squirrel was "charged with criminal mischief and released on bail."
The story of the vandalizing squirrel quickly went viral with articles about the situation appearing in publications as far away as India.
Sea Girl Mayor Ken Farrell says that the town is taking all the attention in stride.
“Well it’s great for Sea Girt. It’s nice that people know that Sea Girt is a beautiful place that has a great holiday fanfare and celebrations,” he says.
The Christmas display was gifted to the town by the Muller family a few years ago. The Santa display drew thousands of spectators to their property dating back to the 1940s.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.