"I'm not saying what you did today wasn't a bad thing, but all things considered, you really do seem like a good kid," one of the officers told the teen. "You're cooperating, and you're speaking well and remorseful."
The officers brought the teen back to the store, which declined to press charges. As they left the store, the officers bought the purloined and offered the teen a ride home.
"I feel a little bit embarrassed," the teen told the officers.
"Don't be embarrassed," replied one of the officers, reminding the teen that this was a jailable offense. "Learn from it.
"You got a bright future ahead of you. You look pretty respectable."
"I just got to get my stuff together," said the teen.
"I get it. Just keep it together," the officer said.
