A Black boy from Georgia had the police called on him because he was seen in a neighborhood that didn't want him there. When a White police officer responded to the call, the results left many social media users in awe.
A recent post on the City of Hapeville Police's social media showed a short Facebook clip of a young Black boy hugging a police officer after being shown something in his car's boot. The little boy had to deal with the Georgia police because someone had called the cops on him.
According to a recount of the boy's story, police were called to a neighborhood to remove the boy from there. It wasn't clear whether the community knew who the boy was or why he was there before calling the police on him.
Officer Colleran gets a hug from a boy after taking him to his car's boot to show him something after neighborhood people called the police on the child on July 24, 2023 | Source: Facebook/City of Hapeville Police
However, unlike most stories where police are called on Black people, this story had a good ending. The officer who replied to the call learned that the boy had a good reason to be in the neighborhood, and instead of punishing him, he rewarded the juvenile.
Why Was the Boy in the Neighborhood, and What Was the Cop's Reaction?
On July 24, 2023, the City of Hapeville Police shared a Facebook video, revealing how Officer Colleran responded to a call about a boy loitering in a neighborhood. The caller wanted the boy removed from the area.
Officer Colleran and the boy standing behind the policeman's vehicle | Source: Facebook/City of Hapeville Police
When the policeman, who was White, arrived on the scene, the boy explained the innocent and sweet reason he was there. The unnamed juvenile said he was in the area because "he wanted to do yard work." The boy wanted to cut grass, pull weeds, and trim people's hedges so he could save up money to get himself a PlayStation (PS), and one thing that stood out to Officer Colleran was:
"The young man was polite, respectful, and truthful."
Officer Colleran and the boy standing behind the policeman's vehicle | Source: Facebook/City of Hapeville Police
Officer Colleran, who happened to be a gamer too, was so impressed with the boy that he and some friends came together to help make the child's wish come true.
In the Facebook clip, Officer Colleran surprises the boy by leading him to the back of his vehicle. When he opens the boot, the boy discovers a PlayStation box and he covers his face with both hands as excitement washes over him. The boy gives the policeman a sweet, warm hug of gratitude soon after.
The boy reacting to the surprise Officer Colleran presented him | Source: Facebook/City of Hapeville Police
According to the Facebook post, Officer Colleran also promised the happy child that one day soon, they would play on the same team online, leaving social media users in awe of the policeman's kindness.
They also noted how the boy, knowing hard work was the best way for him to get what he wanted, also eclipsed the bad sentiments.
How Facebook Users Reacted to Officer Colleran's Story
Days after the City of Hapeville Police's Facebook post went up, KOKH FOX 25 News Oklahoma, shared the story on the same platform. Many followers jumped into the comment section to share their sentiments, with one person noting how the neighbors who called the police should be "ashamed of themselves."
Screenshot of a comment on the boy's story, dated July 28, 2023 | Source: Facebook/KOKH FOX 25 News, Oklahoma
The netizen praised the boy for wanting to work for what he wanted. The boy's parents were also commended for raising him to be responsible. Likewise, Officer Colleran was praised for being "so kind." Meanwhile, someone wrote:
"I would've let him mow my lawn whether I needed it or not; he can do other yard work; bless him!"
Screenshot of a comment on the boy's story, dated July 28, 2023 | Source: Facebook/KOKH FOX 25 News, Oklahoma
Screenshot of a comment on the boy's story, dated July 28, 2023 | Source: Facebook/KOKH FOX 25 News, Oklahoma
A third person shared their love for the post and thought the neighbors were "being sucky" and were drowned out by the policeman's show of love. They also noted how the boy, knowing hard work was the best way for him to get what he wanted, also eclipsed the bad sentiments.
Screenshot of a comment on the boy's story, dated July 28, 2023 | Source: Facebook/KOKH FOX 25 News, Oklahoma
Someone else said they appreciated the boy's "hustle." They also thanked the child's parents for teaching him about hard work and Officer Colleran for letting the boy learn that his efforts were worth rewarding.
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