Mass. library sends cops to collect overdue books from 5-Year-Old

(CBS/WBZ) CHARLTON, Mass. - A Massachusetts woman says her 5-year-old daughter was left in tears after the Charlton Public Library sent police to collect the girls overdue library books.

Charlton Police Sergeant Dan Dowd stopped by the home of Shannon Benoit to let her know that her daughter had two books several months overdue which needed to be returned or paid, reports CBS Boston.

"I thought it was way overboard," Benoit reportedly said. "I closed my door, I looked at my daughter and she started crying."

Hailey asked her mom if the police were going to arrest her, reports CBS Boston.

"I was scared," Hailey said.

They found and returned the books, but Hailey's mom compared sending a cop to their house to pounding a ten penny nail with a sledge hammer, reports CBS Boston.

Even Sgt. Dowd reportedly admitted he wasn't thrilled about his task.

"Nobody wanted to, on this end to get involved in it," says Sgt. Dowd. "But the library contacted us, and the chief delegated, and apparently I was one of the low men on the totem pole."

According to CBS Boston, police thought a friendly reminder might make a better impression and get better results than a cold summons to court.

The Benoit's reportedly claim they did not recieve any warnings previous to Dowd's arrival.