Cop Does Heartfelf Favor for Mom Caught Shoplifting

A struggling mom from Kansas who was caught shoplifting thought she was going to jail; then the police officer who responded to the theft call did something she never expected.

Seven years ago, my son got in trouble for shoplifting at Target. When he was caught, the police found food and school supplies in an old backpack; they asked him why he was stealing and he bravely had to explain that it was stuff that he needed but I couldn't afford.  It was the truth. There was a time in our lives that I couldn't afford groceries or school supplies and all he wanted was a snack and a nice backpack; something I couldn't give him unless it came from a county supported program. The officer let him keep the things he took, except the backpack, and my son had to write an apology to the store. I, was of course notified, and I was so embarrassed.

Three years ago, Sarah Robinson's husband tragically passed away; leaving her with six daughters, 15-year-old Emily, 13-year-old Sophia, 12-year-old Angelina, 4-year-old Miley and twins Becky and Bella. Ever since then, she's been struggling to make ends meet.  They lost their house, all of their belongings and were spending most of their time living in a car; which was recently broken into and all of their belongings stolen.

Desperate to get the things her daughters needed, Robinson went into a Walmart and grabbed necessities like diapers, clothes, shoes and baby wipes; she casually walked out of the store with the items but was caught.

When officer Mark Engravalle showed up he noticed that Robinson's children were barefoot and dirty. He asked her what was going on and she just broke down and cried. Engravalle saw that she had only taken things that she clearly needed, issued her a citation for misdemeanor theft and proceeded to bring the entire family into the store and bought everything that they needed; he even let the girls pick out the clothes they wanted.

Since the incident, there has been an outpouring of support from the community. People have been contacting the police department to see how they can help Robinson, who is currently looking for work and a permanent place to say.