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McRib sandwich becomes crime fighting tool for Delco officer
A tense encounter for a Delaware County police officer who used an unusual but tasty method to help a disabled man get the help he needed.
PROSPECT PARK, Pa. - A tense encounter for a Delaware County police officer who used an unusual but tasty method to help a disabled man get the help he needed.
The crime fighting tool? A McDonald’s McRib sandwich.
"He was a little bit excited when we got there," explained Prospect Park Police officer Samuel Willis, when he was dispatched to Witmer Memorial Field for a man causing a disturbance Wednesday afternoon.
Willis didn’t know what to expect when he arrived.
"It was a subject with disabilities and also suffered with some mental health problems," he said.
Willis says the disabled man, who was with two aides, was in severe mental distress and yelling. But, instead of responding with handcuffs, a stun gun or a gun, Officer Willis offered the man a meal.
"I asked him if I would be able to get him a McRib and maybe some fries, if that would be able to defuse the situation," explained Willis.
Willis hopped in his patrol car and drove to McDonald’s on Lincoln Avenue to buy the man a McRib sandwich, fries and a chocolate milkshake. He went back to the park and delivered the meal along with some frank conversation.
"I was able to go back, bring the food to him. You know, kind of sit him down and be like ‘Hey listen, you need to treat your aides with respect,’" said Officer Willis.
And that’s all it took. A boneless pork patty smothered in barbecue sauce with a side of compassion.
"At the end of the day, the least force outcome is the best," added Willis.
His boss, who trains de-escalation techniques, says the interaction was a veteran move by the officer with about two years with the Department.
"I’m extremely impressed by what he did. I’m extremely proud of what he did. You know, it speaks well for the entire police department and I couldn’t be happier with the results," said Prospect Park Police Chief Dave Madonna.
It turns out, even McDonald’s got into the act. Once they heard the officer was helping someone in need they donated the meal. "I’m really happy to hear that our food can make a difference in somebody’s day," said McDonald’s manager, Alexis King.
The man was eventually able to get the help he needed and get home safely. As for the limited time sandwich helping law enforcement?
"Hopefully they’ll keep it on the menu longer," said Madonna.
According to McDonald’s website, the McRib will only be available until January 28th, 2025.