New Yorkers Beguiled By Photo Of NYPD Officer Helping Blind Woman Cross Street
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A photo of an NYPD officer helping an elderly blind woman cross a busy street in Midtown has gone viral, and has won the praises of Police Commissioner Bill Bratton.
The photo was taken by a passerby Thursday at 3:30 p.m. at 57th Street and Eighth Avenue. NYPD Transit Counter-Terror Team Officer Peterson Bastien had just exited the 59th Street-Columbus Circle subway station when someone told him an elderly woman needed help, the NYPD told CBS 2.
Officer Bastien introduced himself to the woman – whose name and age have not been released. The woman, who is blind, told Bastien she was trying to find the express bus to Madison Avenue, police said.
Bastien offered his arm and escorted the woman two blocks to the express bus at 57th Street, and waited with the woman until the bus arrived, police said.
He told the driver the woman's destination – Madison Avenue – and helped her board before the each went on their way.
The photo appeared Friday afternoon on the NYPD Facebook page, and by late Friday had racked up nearly 14,000 likes, 2,200 shares and 800 comments.
"The individual who snapped the photo expressed how kind New York City police officers are on a daily basis and was happy to be able to capture one of the many moments," the NYPD Facebook post said.
Bratton also issued a tweet about the photo Friday evening:
"Cops count, police matter" One of NYC's Finest & kindest for sure. Makes me #proud. http://t.co/BHslAdyroR pic.twitter.com/CogU9tsdAZ
— Commissioner Bratton (@CommissBratton) April 11, 2014
Police said Bastien was not aware of the photo, which was submitted directly to the NYPD Facebook page.
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