Massachusetts policeman pays for shoplifting suspects’ Christmas dinner
A police officer who was called out to arrest a family suspected of shoplifting in the US state of Massachusetts, but instead, bought them food from his own pocket so they could have a decent Christmas dinner.
Matt Lima was called to the Stop and Shop store in Somerset, Bristol County five days before Christmas.
Two women were reportedly not scanning all of their groceries. When questioned, the family said they had fallen upon hard times and could not afford to pay for all the food, but wanted to serve their children a proper Christmas dinner.
Cash or card?
Lima served them with a “no trespass” order, but did not book the two women and two children as all the items on the shopping receipt were for food, he said.
He then bought them gift cards worth $250 with his own money so they would be able to buy food for their Christmas dinner at another shop of the same chain.
“The two children with the women reminded me of my kids, so I had to help them out.”
“Obviously, this family was in need and I can’t imagine having to make the decision to go to Stop and Shop and just only pay for what I can afford – or do I go there and try to take things for Christmas dinner for the kids?” he told the local TV station.
“They were very thankful, they were kind of shocked. I’m sure a lot of people in that same situation would be thinking that there was going to be a different outcome, and maybe they would be arrested or have to go to court.
“I bought the gift card close in value to what would’ve been taken,” he added.
“I just did what I felt was right. It’s not about me, I just tried to put myself in that family’s shoes and show a little bit of empathy.”
High Praise
“Thank you Officer Matt Lima. You’re given us the most beautiful news of 2020, beyond the defeat of Trump. It’s people like you, with courage, heart and soul who can change the world into a better place. You’ve set an example and have us an immense positive energy for 2021,” said one tweeter.
Another said: “In a world full of people, a few are heroes!”
“This incident is a true testament of Officer Lima’s great character and decision making,” Somerset Police Chief George McNeil said.
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