Members of a California fire department did not count on this surprise, but they were relieved nonetheless.

The Modesto Fire Department responded to a 911 call Thursday after an E&J Gallo Winery security employee spotted a possible body in a nearby creek, the Modesto Bee reported. What the first responders found, however, was a smiling, stuffed Dracula doll.

“For sure, that’s a better outcome than having to pull somebody up who’s demised or injured,” Battalion Chief Randy Anderson said.

About the Author

Keep Reading

If the Senate's version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passes, the 30% federal tax credits offered for clean energy installations — such as these solar panels being installed atop an Ellenwood home in 2022 — would be sunset by the end of 2025. (Jason Getz/AJC 2022)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Featured

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP