Tampa officer gets mother out of jam

TBO.com ^ | July 28, 2009 | RAY REYES

[LuxMaker]

TAMPA - A woman caught taking about $70 worth of items at a Sweetbay Supermarket last week said she did it for her children.

So instead of arresting her, a Tampa police officer paid for the diapers, formula and other baby care products the woman was accused of taking. He even threw in a couple of sandwiches.

[LuxMaker]

Good to see a good cop story once in awhile.

[the invisib1e hand]

Yeah, sure is. But this doesn't make up the Hillsborough Co sherrifs taking a woman into the station without letting her get dressed after they busted her for subathing in her own, completely fenced in back yard. Or the Tampa cop who stalked a young lady after stopping for a "traffic violation," stopping by her apartment on the way home. Or for the middle aged guy that took 42 slugs for reaching for his wallet after being stopped on I-75.

Just a few that come to mind.

Yeah, a cop acting like a human being is a nice change.

[KJC1]

Yeah, a cop acting like a human being is a nice change.

It usually doesn't get covered by the news media.

[ansel12]

Yikes, this story stands on it’s own, we don’t need the outburst.

[the invisib1e hand]

And I don't need a personal critic.

My response stands on its own as well, as did that on the other thread.

[the invisib1e hand]

It usually doesn't get covered by the news media.

Just like they don't send a news crew out when you put a buck in the Salvation Army pot.

[Rebelbase]

I’m sure this same cop was involved in all the incidents you recited. This instance of charity must have been a fluke and He’ll get back to killin’ and maiming ASAP.

[ansel12]

Relax, no one is out to get you.

[Reagan80]

OK, I guess...If I own the store, I still press charges...

I suppose I’m just a mean guy...has this person heard of food stamps? If she earns too much for them, then she needs to stop wasting $ on other ****...

[elkfersupper]

Good to see a good cop story once in awhile.

I fail to see why this is a good cop story. Looks to me like aiding and abetting.

[GILTN1stborn]

The woman said her husband was being deported, and now suddenly caring for her children alone, she didn’t have the means to afford the items

I am with you. And maybe she should be sticking by her husbands side.

[QBFimi]

>> By RAY REYES
>> she did it for her children. “Those kids were without food.”
>> The woman said her husband was being deported ...

Agenda alert! Agenda alert!

[dragnet2]

The woman said her husband was being deported

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGG

[rawhide]

Sallimo said he hopes the woman's fortunes will turn. "In my opinion, our chief would've done the same thing," Sallimo said about helping the family. "I think it's something we all would do."

God bless this officer for his kindness and his chief too.

Very commendable what he did.

[rawhide]

When Sallimo and two other officers were called to the store at 4056 N. Armenia Ave. about 10 a.m. on July 21, the woman told them she had just been evicted and was living with friends.

It also appeared she took care of her daughters, who were about 1 and 3 years old, because their clothes were clean and their hair was well-groomed, Sallimo said.

Officers noticed the woman tried to take only baby products—no steaks, beer or other extravagant items—factors that Sallimo said made him want to help her.

Because of the woman's circumstances, Sweetbay did not to press charges, spokeswoman Nicole LeBeau said.

[rawhide]

Because of the woman's circumstances, Sweetbay did not to press charges, spokeswoman Nicole LeBeau said.

I think Sweetbay will be glad they did not press charges. The good publicity about this story will be a benefit to them, by an increase in shoppers.

[ansel12]

I know, but sometimes people make a real connection and we just have to give them their moment and look away if we choose. This is a moment, not a policy.

[TNdandelion]

Many churches will help out in emergency situations like this. Some towns have family crisis centers, etc. I agree with you that there's really no excuse but from what I understand, during the Great Depression, thieving wasn't unusual and some folks felt outright entitled.

It's pretty scary what desperate times will lead people to do.

[elkfersupper]

Very commendable what he did..

What?

This is the same guy that would crucify somebody over a seatbelt violation or fabricate a DWI story.

I have no use for cops - on or off duty.

[rawhide]

Who you going to call if you need help, either in an accident or you are involved in a crime? Do not paint with to broad a brush, allowing the very few bad apples to taint your opinion.