13-year-old boy calls cops threatening to run away from home–police officer's response stunned boy and his family
Living in distraught conditions due to poverty or even emotional and mental conflict can take a toll on a child. It affects their childhood and may even negatively contribute to shaping their personality. 13-year-old Cameron Simmons was living an upsetting reality due to the condition of his home, per PEOPLE. The boy was agitated one night and called a local police officer, Gaetano Acerra, demanding that he wanted to leave his home and family. The officer sprang into action and heard the distressed cries of the boy. His response was unexpected and made the difference of a lifetime.
The boy reportedly had a conflict with his mother, after which he got frustrated and called the officer, per WSMV. "He called and was very distraught and very upset," the officer noted, per ABC 7. Acerra showed up at Simmons' doorstep to understand the problem. He discovered that Simmons had been living in bleak conditions, with no bed and only an inflatable mattress to sleep on. There was nothing in the room except for the door, windows and a garbage bag in which the boy kept his clothing. When he asked where Simmons had been sleeping, he was told, “Sometimes on the couch and sometimes on a blow-up mattress.”
This had been causing back problems and the officer understood the Simmons' pain. “My heart went out for him. I thought the little things that he needed, I could give him to make him a happier kid,” he recalled. The officer made his decision, and instead of taking legal action, he chose a humanitarian one. Acerra brought up a bed, TV, desk, chair and a gaming device to the home of the 13-year-old in hopes that he would receive a basic childhood. Simmons was delighted to receive the gifts. "The kid was in tears. He was just in shock, so happy. He still is,” Acerra remarked.
It was not just his sleep but his peace of mind, health and happiness that turned around, thanks to the officer's generosity. “I didn’t do this for publicity or to get people to notice me. I did it because I could. It was the right thing to do and I think people should do things like this,” he noted. A video shared by ABC 6 revealed that the items had been donated by a good Samaritan after Acerra shared the story of Simmons. It captured the big, cozy and comfortable bed for Simmons to rest upon.
Acerra was also happy to note that he found a friend in Simmons, and the duo could talk about anything in the future. Also, he planned to take more furniture and necessities for the 13-year-old as and when possible. Ferdinando Acerra posted a photo of his brother and Cameron sharing a hug on Facebook. It only explained the strong bond the duo shared. "I didn't expect this and I'm not one to gloat or brag or even ask for help, but with all these people standing behind us, we can change a lot of lives," Acerra said.