NEWARK, NJ – Newark Police Officers delivered a surprise to 9-year-old resident Michael Copeland. Copeland was involved in a hit-and-run collision this winter. He was injured and his bicycle was destroyed.
His mother, D’Andrea Ferguson was about to buy him another bicycle until Newark Police called.
“Sergeant J. Dopazo, of the 6th Precinct, wanted to replace the one he had, a Mongoose that was damaged in a hit and run accident in January,” the Newark Police Department reported. “Ferguson said her boy, who suffered a concussion, was struck from behind and knocked to the ground as he rode home.”
“I’m so touched by this and so many countless other acts of love for our community from our members,” Director O’Hara said. “Makes me proud to be part of the Newark Public Safety Department.”
While the incident remains under investigation, Dopazo, out of his own pocket, bought Michael a new bicycle and a helmet that he received today during a surprise visit from 6th Precinct officers. Dopazo, Captain C. Brown, and Community Service Officers M. Burney and C. Corbett showed up on Michael’s doorstep with the new wheels.
Ferguson, floored by the generosity, said the unexpected phone call and gift were beautiful.
“It shocked me,’’ Ferguson said. “I didn’t know that they do stuff like that. I didn’t know they were going to come like that. I thought it was really nice.”
Michael couldn’t stop smiling when he came to the door. He thanked the officers, hugged Dopazo, and later explained what he plans to do when the weather is warm, O’Hara said in a statement.
“I like to do wheelies and ride fast down hills,’’ Michael said.
