When store employees apprehended West in the act, they promptly forwarded her license plate number to the police to investigate her identity.
Upon arriving at her home, the police listened to West’s admission of stealing $36 worth of grocery items. Rather than facing mockery or reprimand, she found unexpected support from the officers.
Hillsborough Police Department Senior Corporal Keith Bradshaw shared, “I opened the refrigerator door and the freezer, and all I was seeing was one pack of cheese.” Witnessing West’s dire situation, Bradshaw felt compelled to take action.
Determined to assist her and alleviate the circumstances that led to the theft, Bradshaw and his partner decided to use their own money to purchase groceries for West and her three children. They spent a total of $140 on essential goods.
After West posted bail, she returned home to find a refrigerator stocked with food. The heartwarming story resonated with many, prompting the Hillsborough Police to share information on how people could contribute food donations for West and her family.
Describing the experience as a miracle, West expressed, “I’m struggling so hard to make it, and just to have somebody come help me has been a miracle.” The Hillsborough Police Department encouraged those moved by the story to donate food or funds to their local food bank or Social Services in a Facebook post due to the overwhelming response
