WASHINGTON (WJLA) - A man in a Santa Claus suit was shot in the back with a pellet gun Tuesday morning at a toy giveaway in Southeast.

According to an ABC7 photographer who was interviewing the victim at the time of the shooting, the man in the Santa suit was struck in his upper back. He was transported to a nearby hospital with the pellet still lodged in his shoulder.

Witnesses report hearing two shots. Police believe they came from a second story window in a nearby building.

"Santa" wanted to continue giving away presents, but paramedics insisted he be transported to the hospital. He is expected to be OK and make a full recovery.

The toy giveaway did go on. A man playing the Grinch stepped in to help.