Duluth Police Pull Over Drivers With Holiday Spirit

People driving around Duluth Thursday who saw blue and red lights in their rear-view mirror actually considered themselves lucky with gifts!

Duluth police officer Joe DeJesus surprised drivers by handing out donated gift cards on his Thursday traffic stops. 

“I was very nervous when I was pulled over for speeding and this turned out to be such a great experience.” said driver Jen Stedt after receiving a gift card. 

The traffic stops were a nice way to show officers in another light.

“This is just our way to show another side of our police department through the generosity of others in the community and paying that forward.” said Ron Tinsely, public information officer. 

Mike Letica, who is the operations manager for Super America stores, wanted to remind people of all the good the police force does in our community.

“And instead of a ticket or anything here’s a ten dollar gift card for gas. Happy Holiday thing like that we are hoping that will change the perception of community for the police.”Mike Leticia said.

And Letica’s charitable partnership with the Duluth police doesn’t stop there. He’s also been taking donations for the homeless community.

Letica went on to say,”I’ve got jackets, hats, gloves, sweatshirts, t–shirts, I mean we’ve got all kinds of stuff. I’ve got beef jerky, I’ve got little Debbie snack cakes. I haven’t even really reached out to all my vendors yet and I know they’ll be supportive just like these other ones have been” 

A pay-it-forward jar has been created to take additional donation to help the community.   You can find them at all nine Super America locations in the area.