Columbia, SC (AHN) -- A South Carolina man who dressed as Santa Claus was arrested after he allegedly tried to take an 8-year-old girl for a motorcycle ride without her parent's permission. According to officials, John Michael Barton said he was in "Santa mode" when the incident occurred and that he was sorry for his actions.

Police in Columbia, S.C., say 55-year-old Braton was wearing a Santa suit when he took off on his motorcycle from a gas station with the girl.

The girl's father followed Barton, reaching speeds of up to 80 m.p.h. and flashing his headlights repeatedly, police said. Barton eventually stopped at a parking lot and the father reclaimed his daughter, who was not injured, police told the AP.

Barton was arrested later Sunday at a nearby bar, police said.

Lexington County Sheriff James Metts noted that Barton had been playing Santa at various locations around the city and had previously given several children rides on his motorcycle with their parents' permission.

During his bail hearing on Monday, Barton apologized for the incident. He has been released at a $100,000 bond, but still faces the kidnapping charge.

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