Massachusetts Cop Buys Dinner For Family Caught Stealing Groceries Instead Of Arresting Them
A Massachusetts cop is currently being praised for helping a struggling family during the holidays.
Massachusetts officer Matt Lima responded to a report of shoplifting at a Stop & Shop, where two women with two young children were accused of putting groceries into bags at a self-checkout kiosk without scanning them. They were caught and detained by Loss and Prevention. However, upon arrival, Lima said he pulled one of the adults to the side while the children, who had no idea what was going on, were occupied by store employees.
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The women explained to him that they had fallen on hard times and were just trying to provide a Christmas dinner for the children. Lima said when he heard two kids had been with the women, it didn’t sit right with him. He added that he was reminded of his own children. After speaking to the Stop and Shop Asset Protection associate and checked the receipt for the items they did plan to pay for, he then used his own money to buy $250 in grocery gift cards. Instead of arresting and charging them, Lima, who firmly believes in following the law, let them go. The store just issued the two women a “no trespass” order.
“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?” said Lima. “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,” NBC affiliate WJAR notes.
Somerset Police Chief George McNeil also praised the officer in a statement saying, “This incident is a true testament of Officer Lima’s great character and decision making.”
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