Port Royal police investigate Elf on the Shelf crime spree

PORT ROYAL, S.C. (WTOC) - Port Royal Police Department officials are investigating a series of incidents involving an Elf on the Shelf suspect who gained unauthorized access to multiple areas of the police station.

Deputy Chief Andre Massey discovered his office had been vandalized while he was away. The suspect wrapped office equipment and furniture in gift wrapping paper.

“The pencils, the pens, the stapler, the monitor, calendars, even chairs in my office was completely wrapped in gift wrapping paper,” Massey said.

Massey said he was upset by the incident and hurt that the elf targeted him specifically.

Investigators said the vandalism was part of a pattern of behavior across the department. Sgt. Kelly Mason with the Port Royal Police Department’s social media division said she observed suspicious activity in the conference room.

“I saw when I was coming by the conference room, she had a staff meeting going on. It looked like they were going over the naughty or nice list,” Mason said.

Police identified the suspect as Holly the Elf, who they said was the ringleader of the operation targeting Deputy Chief Massey.

“I will get answers. She will tell me who’s helping her. And they all will pay. They will pay dearly,” Massey said.

Officers reviewed surveillance footage that provided a lead in the case. The investigation resulted in a confession from the suspect.

Police said they detained Holly for interrogation and obtained the answers they were seeking. Officers said they can now return to normal operations but warned they may not be able to hold the suspect long.

Port Royal Police Department is asking anyone with information about Holly’s whereabouts to follow them on social media. Police said she remains armed with wrapping paper and is considered extremely mischievous.