Local businessman Yuriy Surakin, 54, died on the spot moments after posing for a selfie with the alleged gunman. He had the firearm hidden in his red outfit, according to police
Russian man dressed as Santa kills shopkeeper in horror shooting
This is the shocking moment a Russian man dressed as Santa shoots and kills a shop owner head of Orthodox Christmas in an “act of revenge.”
Local businessman Yuriy Surakin, 54, died on the spot moments after posing for a selfie with the alleged gunman. Initial reports said Surakin was a former police officer and he had been responsible for jailing the man dressed as Russian Father Christmas, commonly known as Grandfather Frost.
The Russian Investigative Committee said it was looking into a theory that the killing was linked to “the victim’s debt to the suspect”. However, the shooting was seen as an “act of revenge”. The shooting in Kanash town, Chuvashia region came ahead of Orthodox Christmas Day on Tuesday January 7.
The fake Santa came into Beryozka household electrical goods store and posed for pictures with the shop owner. He had the firearm hidden in his red outfit, according to the committee.
The shooting was caught on camera by the shop’s CCTV. Law enforcement officers today tracked down and detained the alleged killer in a village in Chuvashia region. He had been on the run for less than a day, according to law enforcement. Before this, wanted images were circulated of the alleged killer.
“The suspect is of stocky build, about 180 cm [5ft 11] tall,” said the appeal for information. He was wearing a red Santa Claus costume and white felt boots. He had a white beard and transparent glasses.”
The suspect will be remanded in custody on suspicion of murder. Father-of-seven Surakin, a grandfather, “previously put the shooter behind bars,” said Bad News channel. “After being released, the man decided to take revenge.”