Tampa police saved the day after thieves stole a 5-year-old boy’s birthday gift.
Carter Harris’ grandfather got him a Green Machine tricycle for his birthday. Carter’s mother, Brittany Lamere, left the gift in her car to give to her son the next morning.
But thieves stole the car from the driveway overnight.
"We came outside and discovered there was no car. Not only was there no gift, there was no car,” Lamere said.
Tampa police recovered the car, but Carter’s gift was gone.
"I didn’t know how to tell him. I didn’t know what to tell him, because he doesn’t really understand stealing at 5 years old,” Lamere said.
Master Police Officer Chase Harrison, who worked the case, asked his squad to chip in.
"The holidays are nearby and his birthday coincides between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and we didn’t want the guy to go without the gift his grandfather was going to give him,” Harrison said.
The next day, the officers came to the house to give the gift to Carter.
"I am just beyond thankful, I can’t tell them thank you enough,” Lamere said. “I feel blessed and warm and glad the police department came together to help the community when something bad like this happens."
Carter is now inspired by the officers who fight crime. He said he wants to be a Power Ranger when he grows up.