This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25512594

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Santa's helper shot on toy giveaway in Washington Santa's helper shot on toy giveaway in Washington
(about 9 hours later)
A Santa's helper delivering toys in the US city of Washington has been shot in the back with a pellet gun.A Santa's helper delivering toys in the US city of Washington has been shot in the back with a pellet gun.
As a TV crew videoed him in the street, he said "Merry..." before staggering in pain as the pellet hit.As a TV crew videoed him in the street, he said "Merry..." before staggering in pain as the pellet hit.
The man, who has not been named and is recovering in hospital, initially said he wanted to carry on with the giveaway but paramedics stepped in and took him away in an ambulance.The man, who has not been named and is recovering in hospital, initially said he wanted to carry on with the giveaway but paramedics stepped in and took him away in an ambulance.
A Grinch character then saved Christmas by stepping in to deliver the gifts.A Grinch character then saved Christmas by stepping in to deliver the gifts.
On the video posted on the website of WJLA-TV, the man waves as he walks down the street.On the video posted on the website of WJLA-TV, the man waves as he walks down the street.
He says: "This is awesome, Merry..." but then recoils in pain.He says: "This is awesome, Merry..." but then recoils in pain.
"Someone's shooting. Someone just shot me.""Someone's shooting. Someone just shot me."
He recovers to say: "I'm glad I got hit and nobody else go hurt." He recovers to say, "I'm glad I got hit and nobody else go hurt", before being taken to hospital. A man dressed as the green-clothed Dr Seuss character then took over.
ABC reported that the man would be out of hospital on Christmas Eve after the pellet was removed.ABC reported that the man would be out of hospital on Christmas Eve after the pellet was removed.
Its reporter quoted witnesses as saying two shots were fired from a second-floor window of a home, but no-one has yet been arrested.Its reporter quoted witnesses as saying two shots were fired from a second-floor window of a home, but no-one has yet been arrested.
Police are investigating the incident.Police are investigating the incident.