Cops In Lowell, Michigan Give Gifts Instead Of Tickets During Traffic Stops [VIDEO]
LOWELL, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - The phone has been ringing off the hook at the Lowell Police Department after a video of officers handing out presents to people they pulled over got more than a million views on YouTube.
Lowell police stopped over around 50 drivers in two days, and — after requesting license and registration — casually asked what they or their kids wanted for Christmas.
Listening in over a radio, some "Santa's helpers" at nearby store would quickly buy the gifts, wrap them, and rush them over.
"Oh my God, can I hug you?" says one mom with her arms full of new toys for her kids. "So, I'm getting...I'm not getting a ticket, right?"
"I can give you one if you want," Officer Scot VanSolkem jokes.
One dad told VanSolkem his kids wanted an Xbox 360....but that wasn't going to happen. His face as he unwraps the gaming system short time later is priceless.
"This just turned my bad day into a good one," a woman says, after unwrapping a radio-control truck for her son.
A message at the end of the video reads: "While we don't encourage minor traffic violations, it's important for police departments to take the time to show their citizens just how much they care."
The video has received an enormous response online — and some national news coverage. The department reports it's getting phone calls and social media messages from "around the world."
Residents have been showing their appreciation by dropping off treats for the officers, too.
"OK everyone, we need to give it up to Leslie our dispatcher/clerk who has been taking all of your calls for the last three days Some of your thoughts and stories are making her teary eyed and me as well," the department posted Thursday to the its Facebook page. "We appreciate the support and kind words from everyone!!"
Christian network UPtv funded the program