Mom shoplifting diapers for her baby was caught — then cop bought her a special gift instead of arresting her
It is upsetting to see people commit a crime out of helplessness or urgent requirements. Being unable to afford even necessities and having to resort to shoplifting is a concern for all humankind. A 20-year-old woman was forced to steal diapers for her baby when she didn’t have enough money to pay for them, per The Daily Mail. Officer Bennet Johns, then a rookie at the Laurel, Maryland police department, was alerted to the crime. However, when he realized the woman’s need, he chose not to arrest her and use an alternative special solution to her problem. His work was shared in a Facebook post by the Laurel Police Department and is touching the hearts of many.
In a report shared by Capital One Shopping, it has been revealed that one of the most shoplifted items in the United States is diapers, followed by infant formula. Store owners lose around $45 billion due to shoplifting almost every year, per the statistics. The woman was shopping at the store with her infant son. She had reportedly purchased a few other items but didn’t have an additional $15 for two packs of diapers. She tried to sneak out with the baby product, hoping no one would notice. However, the security guard got hold of her and decided to have her arrested. Johns arrived at the store and learned of the woman’s crime.
The officer assessed the situation and instead of arresting her, he decided to try something different and humane. Having been raised by a single mother himself, Johns understood well the pressure parenting can bring financially. “Officer Johns considered the situation and then made the decision to purchase the diapers out of his own pocket so that the young child would not suffer,” the Laurel Police Department said in a statement. In their post, the officer can be seen at the counter purchasing diapers. It was also noted that the woman was issued a criminal citation for theft.
The department commended the officer for showing diligence and kindness at the same time to offer assistance to a mom in need, which she will remember for life. “Though it's only a snapshot of some of the work your officers are doing daily, we still wanted to take a moment to thank Officer Johns for not just fairly enforcing the law, but also showing empathy to an innocent child put in a difficult situation,” the caption read. Many people commented with praise for the rookie officer. Kelly Kochis said, “You have no idea how many moms cannot afford diapers. Kudos to the officer for making a compassionate decision.”
Leanna Smith Reams added, “He had to abide by the law. But he did a very humanitarian thing for that woman.” Amy Workman noted, “I have seen officers buying cold drinks for homeless people in the summer and meals and hot drinks in the winter. Thank you for your service to our communities.” Pat Jones remarked, “He did a thoughtful thing for this young mother. This young officer is in the right job, caring about people.”