When the youngest officer in Ithaca's police department was dispatched Tuesday night, he had no idea he was about to save Christmas.
"It was very surprising for me. I was not expecting him," said Colin Hayward Toland.
But when Officer Colin arrived at the scene of the crime he was met with none other than the bitter, grouchy Mr. Grinch himself. The Grinch traveled from Whoville to Ithaca to steal not one, not two, but dozens of gifts.
"He seemed to steal a lot of presents," said Colin.
But the community was confident that, if anyone could stop the Grinch, it was Colin. And that's just what he did.
"We don't want him to have a bad Christmas, but it's just not fair to take other people's presents," Colin said.
This was Officer Colin's first arrest since being sworn in as an official member of the Ithaca Police Department in September. The nine-year-old has spent the past few months training.
But he hasn't just been fighting crime, he's also fighting brain cancer. It was always his wish to be a cop.
"I feel like the police work has really given Colin a sense of purpose. He feels like he's helping people; I think he really is helping people," said Tamiko Toland, Colin's mother.
Straight after his arrest, the Grinch was brought to Ithaca City Court for his arraignment.
"You are charged with theft, Mr. Grinch," said Judge Scott A. Miller.
But that's when Officer Colin realized that maybe Mr. Grinch could be forgiven.
"It's not all about the presents. It's all about being with your family, and being happy," said Officer Colin.
"He reminds the community about what's really important, and that's why he's so great for the community," said Judge Miller.
And unlike most officers, Officer Colin's entire family got to witness his first big capture.
"It's pretty cool to see him do all this stuff, and the entire police getting involved in this and helping him out. It's pretty cool," said Aidan Hayward Toland, Colin's brother.
Capturing the Grinch -- well, that's one big accomplishment. But Colin's family recently heard some news they're calling a true Christmas miracle.
Doctors say the swelling in Colin's brain has receded, and his tumor progression has calmed.
"When we got the news that Colin's in the clear for now, it was just magical," said Ian Hayward, Colin's father. "That's the Christmas gift. Having him today, I don't even need Christmas to come around. It feels like Christmas every day that I'm with him."
In the meantime, the community can rest easy knowing Officer Colin is watching over them -- and, of course, that the Grinch has learned his lesson.
"He made my heart grow larger. Not only that, but he certainly made my Christmas," said Mr. Grinch.