ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — Drivers in Isle of Wight County experienced a traffic stop they likely won’t soon forget.
A typical day as an Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Deputy means there will likely be traffic stops. However, those stops were a little bit different on Friday.
“I’m Deputy Adam Cofield with the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office. I’m actually stopping you for two different reasons,” said Deputy Adam Cofield to one of the drivers he pulled over. “For one, in the state of Virginia, it’s actually illegal to wear a Santa hat.”
It’s not illegal to wear a Santa hat and the woman did not get a ticket. Instead, she got a gift.
“Thank you Lord,” said Judy Davis. “It’s a blessing because I was struggling right now and this really comes in handy.”
Cards with $100 inside went out to 16 people, thanks to the Isle of Wight Optimus Club.
“Today we’re trying to get money back into the community, where the rubber meets the road, so to speak,” said Michael Murphy, who is with the Optimus Club.
Deputy Adam Cofield found some creative reasons to stop people. He said to one driver, “The reason why I’m stopping you, you have sunglasses on and it’s not even sunny outside.”
However, the drivers 10 On Your Side met forgave him.
“My emotions are all over the place right now to be honest,” said Ashli Hensley. “I’ve gone through a lot lately and this just helped out a lot. I’m able to give my kid a Christmas now.”
The tension of a traffic stop, instantly melting way.
“I did not expect this, this will help a whole lot, thank you,” said driver Sultan El-Bey.
While this was not Deputy Cofield’s typical day on the job, it was just as special for him as it was for the drivers he stopped.
He said, “It’s a different experience, receiving a hug on a traffic stop is different.”
The Optimus Club also donated $500 to Christian Outreach to help families in the area.
