Photo of APD officer goes viral

ALBUQUERUQE, N.M. (KRQE) - A picture of an Albuquerque Police Officer is causing some serious chatter on Facebook.
 
The photo has almost 18,000 likes and is spreading like wildfire.

The picture that started it all is of Officer Gerald Sheldon and 3-year-old Angelo. It popped up on the internet Monday. Angelo's mother says her son is obsessed with police cars.

"What do you call them?," Dorene Dinaro asked Angelo. "Wee-woo cars," said the three year old. "Because they say Wee-woo, wee-woo!"

Officer Gerald Sheldon saw the boy and his family walking near their home in Southwest Albuquerque. The officer said he couldn't help but pull over when he saw the little boy pointing at him.

"I have two boys and as a Christian, the best way to show God's love is to love other people," he said.

The little boy recounts the officer gave him toys and a hug.

Officer Sheldon insists it was just a few trinkets, but Angelo's mom who snapped the priceless picture disagrees. She was so touched, she posted the photo on UNM's Be Kind Facebook page to illustrate the meaning behind the idea.

So far nearly 18,000 people have clicked on it, something Officer Sheldon said he never expected.

"I told them I don't have a Facebook account," the officer said when people started telling him about the pic. "It's not possible."

He adds he was just doing his job.

"I don't deserve this because there's other officers that do this all the time. I'm no body."

But Angelo's mother said it's a moment the whole family, and now all their Facebook friends will always treasure.

Officer Sheldon has been with APD for 10 years.

Be Kind UNM is also gaining momentum because of the photo. The week of Valentine's Day staff and students are encouraged to participate by performing random acts of kindness on campus.