SARASOTA, Florida — An unexpected encounter that lasted mere seconds brought a Florida police officer to tears when he heard the kind message a stranger had for him.
Sarasota officer Scott Patrick says he was walking into the police department to turn in paperwork when a blue SUV pulled up and stopped in the middle of the roadway.
"This caught my attention as I try and be aware of my surroundings at all times, especially in a day and age where officers are targeted simply for wearing a uniform," he wrote on the department's Facebook page.
When the driver honked the horn, he figured the man needed directions and walked over.
"As I approached the vehicle, the driver opened the door and stepped out. He was very tall -- well, tall compared to me because I am only 5'8". He immediately said 'Thank you officer, may I give you a hug?'"
Patrick recalled feeling caught off guard as the man walked towards him with both arms opened. He said it wasn't something he had encountered very often in his 13 years of policing.
Patrick said he decided to share his story to bring a smile to peoples' faces in during difficult time, and hopes people share.
See officer Patrick's full statement below: