“A call to police about a shoplifting incident has turned into something much bigger for an officer in Somerset who felt the punishment didn’t necessarily fit the crime. Five days before Christmas, Patrolman Matt Lima of the Somerset Police Department was dispatched to the local Stop and Shop for a reported theft. ‘There was nothing else on there like health and beauty items, shampoo, anything like that. It was all food,’ he said.”
“Lima, who firmly believes in following the law, cut them a break and decided not to press charges. ‘Obviously, this family was in need and I can’t imagine having to make the decision to go to Stop and Shop and just only pay for what I can afford – or do I go there and try to take things for Christmas dinner for the kids?’ said Lima. ‘They were very thankful, they were kind of shocked. I’m sure a lot of people in that same situation would be thinking that there was going to be a different outcome, and maybe they would be arrested or have to go to court.’ Lima took things a step further in an effort to help the family. He purchased a $250 gift card so the family could buy the food the right way. ‘I bought the gift card close in value to what would’ve been taken,’ said Lima. ‘I just did what I felt was right. It’s not about me, I just tried to put myself in that family’s shoes and show a little bit of empathy.'” – WJAR.