Dejected because she couldn’t afford a new set of tires for her vehicle when just one was damaged, an elderly lady in Texas attempted to leave the repair shop, unknowing that a state policeman overheard her tense chat with the technician.
Mary Summers, 92, of Texas, had poor luck when she drove her automobile over a nail, puncturing one of her tires. When the elderly lady took her vehicle to Integrity Tires in Richmond, Texas, to get the tire patched, she was informed the repairs were too expensive for her.
The tending technician, Omar Oregueda, sat with Mary and explained that her car was hazardous to drive since all four tires were severely worn. There was no bandage solution for her; she would have to change them, which would cost $600.
“I can’t do all of the tires,” Mary told KHOU, a local news station. “I’ll just do one and let you know how much this one tire will be.”
Oregueda refused, despite the woman’s pleadings.
“The tire on her vehicle wasn’t repairable, and the other tires were shot,” Oregueda stated. “They were already completely destroyed.”
Mary’s dismay is captured on film at the repair business, which was acquired by local TV station KHOU News, and she gently brings her walker near her chair, raising herself to rise and leave the store.
Mary had no idea that a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper was seated just behind her, listening in on the whole chat.
DPS Trooper Drew Stoner moved to the counter behind Mary and delivered her a large gift before leaving the store.
Omar returned to Mary shortly after, informing her she’d receive four new tires for free.
“He said, ‘They’re paid for.” I said. When Mary was informed, her mouth dropped to the ground. “And I can’t even talk about it because it makes me want to cry because he did that.” And he did it, and then he left.”
Oregueda, who inspires kindness, also decided to do something good for the old lady and offered her a free oil change.
“For a stranger to look after another stranger like that, let’s all just look after each other,” Omar added. “That’s exactly what it’s all about.”
KHOU tracked down the officer and connected Mary with Stoner, who visited her at her home to thank him for saving her in such an unexpected manner.
Stoner claimed that he wasn’t searching for publicity but rather felt compelled to act in order to keep her and other vehicles safe.
“I’m thinking, ‘What if she goes out on the road, and a tire goes out on her, kind of falls apart on her, and she’s on the side of the road?'” he said.
“I’m just so thankful for you,” Mary remarked as she embraced the trooper. I’m overjoyed. I’m honored to have met someone with such a large heart. “I adore you to the moon and back.”
The tale of Trooper Doper saving Mary has gone viral, with many applauding the officer’s unprompted generosity.
“This trooper is a true American!” writes one. He embodies what America is all about. others helping others regardless of circumstance.” Another simply states, “That’s a hero!”
While DPS Trooper Doper was assisting Mary in 2020, the following year he was given the Medal of Valor—the DPS’s highest honor—for his “bravery and dedication” in apprehending a gunman and rescuing a lady with gunshot wounds that occurred prior to his shift.
DPS Trooper Drew Stoner is a real hero who sincerely wants to serve for the welfare of the community rather than for personal gain. We are really fortunate to have officers like him on the force, and we would like to express our gratitude to him for all he has done.