Trooper has lunch with panhandler who held sign seeking help

FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts trooper is getting kudos on social media for sharing a meal with a panhandler who was holding a sign asking for help.

State police posted the photo of Trooper Luke Bonin on its Facebook page Tuesday.

Police say a passer-by snapped the photo after noticing Bonin dressed in a suit and perched on the tailgate of his cruiser, digging into a fast-food meal with the panhandler.

Swansea resident Jake Morse told The Herald News he took the photo May 11 and shared it on Facebook.



The 35-year-old Bonin later told his colleagues he saw the woman asking for help, so he drove to a nearby restaurant, ordered two meals and returned to have lunch with her.

State police say they're proud of Bonin for "doing the right thing."