PLEASANTON, Texas – The Pleasanton Police Department took in a couple of new recruits Friday to help bring down a criminal.
Five-year-old Darian Chapa and his twin brother Jaden were honorary police officers for the day.
It was a gesture from the department to do something fun for Darian who has been suffering from a rare form of lung cancer since he was 18 months old.
"I was really excited for him. He loves the police officers, so he was more excited than anybody," said Vanessa Leal, Darian's mom.
"We are here to do a job, protect the community and be a part of the community," said Pleasanton police Chief Ronald Sanchez.
The department set up a pretty elaborate event. They had wanted posters for the criminal known as “Notso Pleasant."
Darian and Jaden teamed up with Officer Kai Viesca. They rode in a cruiser and were able to track down the criminal in the park. Darian even put the handcuffs on the suspect, and they hauled him before Judge Elise Guerra and then back to the police station.
"It was pretty intense," Leal said.
Darian received an accommodation for his work, not to mention pretty exciting day.
"Just having a good day to talk about will make him feel better," Leal said.
The police said they also enjoy being a part of something special.
"Make his day better, it makes me happy to come. And he'll remember this for as long as he lives," said Anastacio Perez, with the Pleasanton Police Department. He also plays the part of Notso Pleasant.