Police officers respond to shoplifting at Walmart, help thief buy the boots he needs for a job

Police officers in Kansas helped a teen who was trying to steal boots for a job. (iStock)

A young man was caught trying to steal a pair of work boots at a Walmart in Kansas, but when police officers learned what his motives were, they decided to help him out instead of punishing him.

The Roeland Park Police Department shared the story on its Facebook page Thursday, praising the officers involved.

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The authorities received a call that a juvenile had been taken into custody at the superstore after getting caught in the act. When they responded, they discovered the boy was a “displaced juvenile within the State of Kansas Justice system” living in a group home.

"Congrats to Officer Suffield and Officer Snepp for making another difference in RP and for a job well done." (Roeland Park Police Department)

He told the police he needed the boots so he could get a job. After hearing his story, the officers were compelled to buy the boy the boots rather than arrest him. They also gave him “some words of encouragement,” telling him to find a job, finish school and stay out of trouble.

According to the post, the officers’ kind act left the boy “with tears in his eyes” and made an impression on the entire police department.

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“Just another reason why I am so proud of my officers here in Roeland Park. I just smiled when I heard this story a short time ago as it almost made me cry too. Congrats to Officer Suffield and Officer Snepp for making another difference in RP and for a job well done….”