Police arrest drivers for giving turkeys, not tickets, for Thanksgiving | Latest News Headlines

In honor of Thanksgiving 2021, law enforcement surprised drivers with frozen turkeys instead of tickets.

The holiday cheer was recently spread by the Mesa Police Department in Mesa, Ariz., Gifting birds to people who thought they were being arrested for an offense, Fox 10 Pheonix reported.

“When you’ve made your turn you’ve made a wide turn. You’re supposed to stay in your lane,” Officer Jason Flam of the Mesa Police Department told motorist.

Instead of coming back from his police car with a ticket, Flam offered a turkey.

Flam told Fox 10 that some of the stops were emotional, causing a man to cry.

“… I don’t think they can afford the turkey, so it worked out really well,” Flam said.

A driver thanked Flam for the gesture, but said she had already bought a Thanksgiving turkey and asked him to “pass it on.”

Another person was about to pick up a turkey when Flam stopped him.

“I was actually on my way to Costco to pick up some repairs, so it saved me a few bucks,” said Mike Ormerod.

Mesa Police are one of several US police departments that give out “turkeys, not tickets.” In 2016, the Fort Worth Police Department also gave turkeys to unsuspected drivers ahead of Thanksgiving.

The Turkeys not Tickets program was offered by a Mesa police commander in order to connect with the community, according to Fox 10.

“I think it’s a great idea. I was telling the officer that over the last few years police officers in general have a bad reputation, and I think it’s important that they be recognized for the have broadcast every day, “Ormerod told the station.

Fox News has contacted Mesa Police for comment.

Ann Schmidt of Fox News contributed to this report.