Speeding driver's surprising $320 act after being stopped by police
A driver pulled over for speeding has performed an incredibly kind act after a police officer didn’t issue her a ticket.
The driver was travelling 24km/h over the speed limit when they were pulled over in Hillsborough County, in the US state of Florida, on February 15.
The county sheriff’s office said Deputy Kevin Baker, who spoke with the driver, let them off with a warning.
“Fast forward to April, the same driver from that traffic stop mailed a letter to District III for Deputy Baker,” police said.
“Inside was a cheque for US$253 (A$324) for fallen Pinellas County Deputy Michael Magli's memorial fund.”
Deputy Magli, 30, died in February trying to stop a drunk driver. He left behind a wife and two children.
“Deputy Magli was preparing to deploy spike strips when the driver lost control, overturned, and struck him. He was pinned beneath his patrol car and succumbed to his injuries,” according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
The amount the driver donated is equivalent to what the fine would have been, police said.
The driver also wrote a note on the card for police claiming the donation is “long overdue” and thanking for the “pass/warning” for speeding.
“I am mindful,” she wrote.
“Coffee or donuts seemed inadequate. Therefore please find this cheque for the Officer Magli fund.”
Praise for 'incredible' donation
Officers expressed their gratitude to the woman for her kind donation.
“To this citizen: thank you for this incredible gesture... not only have you put a big smile on the faces of #teamHCSO, but our brothers and sisters at Pinellas County Sheriff's Office as well,” police said.
“A hero remembered never dies.”
People on Facebook called it an example of “paying it forward”.
“Restores my faith in humanity,” one man wrote.
Another man called it “very touching” while one woman wrote it “warms the heart”.
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