Newark Cop Reaches Into Own Pocket To Replace Stolen Christmas Bikes

NEWARK, NJ — A Newark police officer managed to bring a smile to the faces of some local kids this holiday season when he reached into his own pocket to replace a pair of stolen Christmas bikes.

According to police, the children’s father – who had apparently done his Christmas shopping early - reported the bikes stolen on Nov. 14. He told officers that he hid the girl’s 20-inch pink bicycle and the boy’s 18-inch dirt bike in the hallway of his 4th Avenue apartment building, only to later find out that someone took them.

Luckily for them, Sergeant Juan Gonzalez of the 2nd Precinct took up the case.

After Gonzalez reviewed the theft report, the unfairness of the situation hit him someplace personal. So the sergeant decided to buy the kids new bikes with his own money, his supervisors said.

“I am very impressed by Sergeant Gonzalez’s generosity,” Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said. “His act of kindness has turned what could have been a very sad holiday for this family into a time of gratitude and celebration for the entire City of Newark. We can’t thank him enough.”

• See related article: VIDEO: Bloomfield Santa, Cops Bring Sick Child ‘Sold Out’ Toy

Photo: Newark Department of Public Safety

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