A lot of judgment call has to be put to use in determining whether to arrest someone caught stealing because of dire need or not. An Alabama cop, Officer William Stacy was recently faced with this challenging decision when he was called to arrest Helen Johnson, 47, a grandmother that was caught stealing five eggs at a Dollar store. Instead of arresting Johnson, Stacy showed compassion towards her, bought her the eggs, gave her a hug and made her promise not to ever shoplift again.
The next day, officer William delivered two truck loads of food to feed Johnson and her family throughout Christmas and this gesture brought so much tears into the Johnson’s eyes. She said to Al.Com ‘The last time I saw my house this full, I was 12-years-old and staying with my grandmother, I’ve been crying all day.’ It was also reported that several donations have been pouring in for Johnson from all over the country.
Officer Stacy’s compassionate gesture could not have come at a better time considering the negative image in which law enforcement officers are being viewed following the events at Ferguson and New York. It’s good to have this kind of story,’ said Officer Stacy to AL.Com.
Photo Credit: Al.com/Landov
