It took nearly a year, but Mounties in Stettler, Alta., say they got their Santa.

Police announced Wednesday they had made an arrest in relation to the robbery of Wares Jewelers last Christmas Eve.

The unusual crime saw the culprit, dressed in a full Kris Kringle costume, walk into the retailer, pull out a gun, demand precious gems and then take off in a Hummer.

The suspect then ditched the massive SUV for an older model truck and fled, but not before the truck was caught by a security camera, police said.

Mounties released images of both getaway vehicles in late December and put out a public plea for help in locating the bad Santa.

A 31-year-old man from Medicine Hat now faces numerous charges. He is due in court on Sept. 22.

Stettler is about 220 kilometres northeast of Calgary.