In this May 17, 2017 photo provided by the City of Laurel, from left, Laurel Police Chief Richard McLaughlin, officer Bennett Johns, and Laurel Mayor Craig A. Moe pose for a photo at Johns’ swearing in in Laurel, Md. Johns was called to a local grocery store on July 22, 2017, regarding a woman accused of shoplifting. The woman, who reportedly bought some items but did not have $15 for two packs of diapers, was given a citation for misdemeanor shoplifting. But Johns, who was raised by a single mother, was touched by the woman's predicament and used his own money to buy the diapers for her toddler. (Carreen Koubek/City of Laurel via AP)
Republished August 01, 2017 - 5:13 AM
Original Publication Date July 31, 2017 - 6:31 PM
LAUREL, Md. - A rookie police officer in Maryland is garnering praise for an act of kindness he extended to a woman accused of shoplifting.
Officer Bennet Johns, who joined the Laurel Police Department in May, was called to a local grocery store on July 22 regarding a 20-year-old woman accused of shoplifting.
The woman, who reportedly bought some items but did not have $15 for two packs of diapers, was given a citation for misdemeanour shoplifting.
But Johns, who was raised by a single mother, was touched by the woman's predicament and used his own money to buy the diapers for her toddler.
A photo of Johns at the cash register, taken by his training officer, began making the rounds of the internet after being posted to the police department's Facebook page.
News from © The Associated Press, 2017