Miami cops turn out in force to shop for seniors

MIAMI — Miami police officers streamed into a Liberty City Winn-Dixie on Tuesday but they didn’t leave with any suspected criminals.

Instead, they hit the checkout line with items like bleach, butter, bread and blueberries — to be delivered to a senior citizen centers in the city.

The effort was, in part, meant to keep those who are the most vulnerable from having to leave home and risk potential exposure to coronavirus.

“Many of our elderly residents are unable to leave their homes. Today, we’re shopping for them and hope to provide peace of mind by assisting them with acquiring some of their essentials,” the police department said in a Tuesday morning tweet.

Officers were let into the store during the morning segment set aside for senior citizens so it wouldn’t be too crowded.

And in the spirit of social distancing, the items would get to Miami’s senior citizens without a direct thank you for the officers who did the shopping.

“There is no contact with the seniors,” Miami Police Major Albert Guerra told WPLG-Ch. 10. “Once we purchase the items, we are taking them back to senior centers. It really makes us feel great knowing that we can provide this type of service,” Guerra told the station.

At the Tuscanny Cover apartments, a 55 and over community in northwest Miami, at least one recipient was able to show their gratitude with a big, written “thank you” on a note that was given to police, WTVJ-Ch. 6 reported.

MIAMI POLICE DEPARTMENT/COURTESY When officers from the Miami Police Department streamed into a Winn-Dixie grocery store Tuesday it wasn’t a crime in progress. It was, instead, a good deed.