Officer Sends Distraught Driver Flowers After Pulling Her Over for Speeding
The officer sent the flowers after the driver became emotional during the stop.
— -- A Massachusetts cop put a smile on a distraught stranger's face Wednesday when she sent her flowers hours after pulling over the woman -- whose mom was checked into hospice care -- for speeding.
"She reached out to the city yesterday and told me shed like to thank me personally," Officer Ashley Catatao of the Somerville Police Department told ABC News. "She's a really nice person. She lost a lot of loved ones in this year alone, so this was nice that it could bring her some joy."
Catatao pulled over Robin Sutherland on a Somerville road on Nov. 4 for going 40 mph in a 30 mph zone.
Sutherland, who hadn't received a ticket since 1988, was told by Catatao that she'd run her license before deciding the consequence.
"I told her as long as her driver's history was good it would be a written warning," Catatao said. "When I came back to the car she was crying."
Catatao said when she asked Sutherland why she was upset, Sutherland told her that she received sad news that day that her mother would have to be checked into hospice care.
After being issued a written warning, Sutherland drove off.
"I kind of just sat there for a while and I didn’t want her to think I forgotten as soon as she pulled away," Catatao said. "I decided I wanted to do something nice for her.
"I thought if anything this would bring a smile to her face and even though I'm a stranger, I still feel for her," she added. "I still care."
Later that day, Catatao sent a bouquet of flowers to Sutherland along with an emotional note attached.
"I’m very sorry to hear about your mother," the card read. "I hope you find comfort in knowing she lived a long life and will continue to live on in your heart and in your memories. [Signed,] Officer who pulled you over this morning."
Soon after, Sutherland contacted the city of Somerville to make them aware of Officer Catatao's act of kindness.
"I thought if anything she'd call the department or send an email saying 'thank you,' Catatao said. "I actually appreciate it because she's brought so much positive attention to police."
Robin Sutherland told ABC News she was impressed by Catatao's gesture, which she said 'warmed her heart.'
"I've gotten flowers many times over the years, but for Ashley to have done this for me without knowing me, when I was having such a tough day when I arrived home that day to find ten, it really brought a smile on my face," Sutherland said. "It helped all day just seeing that beautiful bouquet. It’s a wonderful symbol of caring and just the best of humanity."
Related Stories
ABC News Live