Laredo police officers hand out Thanksgiving turkeys instead of traffic tickets

LAREDO, Texas – It was a good day to get pulled over in Laredo on Friday.

Instead of issuing traffic citations, officers handed out warnings and turkeys.

Laredo PD said the plan was to conduct legitimate traffic stops on people who committed traffic violations, but to send them off with their very own Thanksgiving turkey.

“The officers came up with the idea and that commitment to the betterment and service to our community is what makes me proudest to be the head of such a dedicated and compassionate group of officers," Chief Claudio Treviño said. 

A business owner who asked not to be recognized donated the 25 turkeys to the police department. 

Turkey recipients had mixed reactions, but most were shocked to learn they were not only driving away without a citation, they were getting a Thanksgiving turkey as well.