Seekonk police officer responds to panhandling call, ends up helping family

A local officer responding to a call, ended up aiding the suspect instead of charging her.

According to Seekonk Police, Thursday evening, Ptlm. DiCristoforo was sent to a retail location in the south end in reference to a woman panhandling with two small children.

DiCristoforo spoke with the mother, where English was a second language, and ensured that they were safe. The family has fallen on hard times financially and are staying in a local hotel while the father looks for work to repair their vehicle.

Going above the call of duty, Officer DiCristoforo took it upon himself to buy the family dinner and ice cream, as well as a case of water.

According to SPD, this is not the first time he and other members of the department have helped citizens who could use a little extra support.

“We are proud of Officer DiCristoforo for this and everything else he does. He is a fine officer and an asset to this agency.”