Detective Elf on the Shelf on the Case | Patch PM

Stories to talk about tonight:

'Elf on the Shelf' Detective Shines for Prince William County Police

As public information officer for Prince William County Police, Sgt. Jonathan L. Perok often is tasked with dealing with matters from the mundane to the murderous. But earlier this month, he swapped his regular duties for those of a crime detective, and his fellow officer in the endeavor was none other than Elf on the Shelf. >>> Read more.

How to Find the Cheapest Gas During the Holidays

Doing lots of driving running those last-minute holiday errands to mail cards, buy gifts or pick up some egg nog? Or maybe you're driving a long distance and looking to fill up your tank before you leave Northern Virginia to head out of town. >>> Read more.

Insurance Company Agrees to Provide Prosthetic Limb After News Report

The Oakton High School graduate who lost his leg in a freak accident in New York's Central Park will get a prosthetic limb after the family's insurance company was featured in an investigative report by NBC-4, the news station reports. >>> Read more.

• This is the 31st year that Santa and his friends have water-skied on the Potomac River on Christmas Eve.

• In both incidents, the caller said he had a kidnapped daughter and demanded ransom, say Manassas Police. The FBI has tips about the scam.

• Metro's last train heads out at 11:27 p.m., likely before the game ends.

• If you're traveling out of Reagan Airport this holiday season, make sure you give yourself lots of time.

• These breakfast recipes pair perfectly with Christmas presents because all the prep is done the night before.

Patch PM shares a few of the day’s must-read items from our Va. and D.C. networks. The Patch community platform covers communities across the area.