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Hendricks County deputy replaces boy's stolen bike: 'It was the right thing to do'

Posted at 3:39 PM, Jun 19, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-19 19:11:44-04

HENDRICKS COUNTY, Ind. -- A Hendricks County sheriff’s deputy surprised a 10-year old boy with a brand new bike after thieves stole the child’s bicycle last week.

Deputy Brandon Adams, a 12-year veteran with the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the trailer park where Antoinette Teague lives with her son, Steven.

While at a friend’s house last Monday, someone stole Steven’s bike.

“He rides it all the time,” said Teague. “It’s his way to get everywhere.”

“It got to me, how upset Steven was, and I remember when I was 10 years old, and how important it was to ride around the neighborhood,” said Deputy Adams. 

Adams returned a few hours later, and put Steven in his patrol car, and asked his mother to follow them to Wal-Mart.

“He said he could pick any bike he wanted,” said Teague. “I think he spent close to 100 bucks because he bought a new lock for the bike so that it wouldn't get stolen again."

Teague said the family already had enough to deal with.

They struggle to pay bills and Steven has special needs.

Needless to say, Deputy Adam’s small act of kindness had a big impact on the family.

“I’m never going to forget this, ever,” said Teague. “It shows there’s more good than bad.”

Steven gave Deputy Adams a hug and thanked him, but Adams said seeing him enjoy the bike was all he needed.

“It made his day, and it made his summer,” said Adams. “For $100 that was well worth it. I thought it was the right thing to do."

Antoinette Teague said she already respected law enforcement, but now her appreciation has grown ten-fold.

Plus, Steven has a new hero.

“He got to ride in the car with the police, and he loved it,” said Teague. “It was a good experience for him.”

Deputy Adams said with so many stories out there about police overstepping, he wants people to know most officers want to make their community better.

"I did it because it was the right thing to do, and i hope it does send a message to the community that we do care and we're out here trying to do the right thing," said Adams.

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