Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Elf Arrested For Drunk Driving In NJ
By
Ben Yakas
Published Dec 21, 2014
Modified Dec 21, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Yakas
Published Dec 21, 2014
Modified Dec 21, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
An elf was arrested for drunk driving in New Jersey this week. Brian Chellis, 23, was found drunkenly passed out in his car early Friday morning after an alleged night of debauchery.
Chellis, who was wearing an Elf on the Shelf costume at the time, was discovered around 3:30 a.m. Friday in his car in the parking lot of Target on Route 23 in Riverdale. He was parked by the store's loading dock with its engine running, lights on and music blaring. He was asleep at the wheel, wearing a red shirt, red pants, and white ruffled collar at the time. There's no word on whether he smelled like beef and cheese at the time.
According to arresting officer Sgt. Pat Harden, Chellis was confused where he was when he woke up and had an open can of beer inside of the car. He was arrested and issued summonses for driving while intoxicated, careless driving and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.
Perhaps this experience will teach him to stick with the other kind of sauce.
Tagged
brian chellis
drunk driving
dwi
elf
new jersey
nj
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NJ Gov. Sherrill: Election is secure, noncitizens taken off voter rolls
The governor made the comments in the October edition of "Ask Governor Sherrill" on WNYC.
By
Michael Sol Warren
Published Oct 27, 2026 at 7:42 p.m. ET
Modified Oct 27, 2026 at 11:14 p.m. ET
Ex-NYPD officer again faces murder charge in George Washington Bridge shooting
The charge against him was upgraded following an “extensive investigation,” the DA’s office said.
By
Samantha Max
News
Ex-NYPD officer again faces murder charge in George Washington Bridge shooting
The charge against him was upgraded following an “extensive investigation,” the DA’s office said.
By
Samantha Max
Former NYC buildings boss helped reopen mayor's favored restaurant despite health violations
By
David Brand
1 killed, 4 others injured at Elizabeth, NJ vigil shooting
By
Catalina Gonella
Police arrest man in Queens stabbings that ended with officer shooting woman
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .