By Emma Epperly

The Spokesman-Review

Just days after some 50 Christmas trees were stolen from a local hardware store, the Spokane Police Department said it has arrested the real life “Grinch” who stole them.

Upon reviewing store security video at River Ridge Hardware, 2803 W. Garland, Ave., it was clear the incident happened at 3:30 a.m. when someone packed the trees into a trailer.

A post on the store’s facebook page asked the public to share any information they might have with the Spokane Police Department, according to a department news release.

On Monday, officers with the Patrol Anti-Crime Team and Downtown Neighborhood Resource Officers began investigating the incident. The investigation led to the arrest of Eli P. Vansickle, 49, in Deer Park.

After his arrest, Vansickle told police where the trailer used in the burglary was stashed in Spokane, leading to the recovery of the stolen trees, police said.

Vansickle has a felony record and was jailed on suspicion of burglary and theft.