Deputy, police officer help homeless couple, dogs in Newton County

Deputy, police officer help homeless couple, dogs

A small act of kindness is gaining attention in Newton County, where a sheriff’s deputy and a Covington police officer went above and beyond to help a homeless couple and their two dogs escape the rain.

NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. - A small act of kindness is gaining attention in Newton County, where a sheriff’s deputy and a Covington police officer went above and beyond to help a homeless couple and their two dogs escape the rain.

Deputy and police officer help homeless couple

A Newton County Sheriff's Office deputy and Covington police officer recently helped a homeless couple and their two dogs who were stranded in the rain. The encounter was caught on body cam.

What they're saying:

According to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, what began as a routine encounter outside a CVS on May 11 turned into an inspiring moment of compassion. Deputy McClarin and Officer Hobbs noticed the couple living on the streets and took action.

"I'm sick, I'm cold, I'm wet," the woman told McClarin, as captured on his body-worn camera.

The deputy found the couple huddled at the entrance of the store, along with their two dogs, facing bad weather and with nowhere to go.

"It was heartbreaking. I definitely felt bad for both of them," McClarin said.

Officers Alexander Hobbs and Gutierrez from the Covington Police Department arrived to assist. As they learned more about the couple’s situation, they also realized severe weather was closing in.

"We actually had a huge storm coming in that night," Hobbs said.

The officers contacted local shelters but were told all were at capacity. Refusing to leave the couple on the street, they devised another plan.

Body camera footage shows McClarin briefing the couple: "We are going to have an officer go to where the hotels are in the city and figure out how much it is for the night, OK?"

While Officer Gutierrez purchased dog food, Officer Hobbs found a nearby hotel with availability. The officers paid for the couple’s room out of their own pockets.

"I’ve always believed in helping people as much as I can," Hobbs said. "Being in a position to get out with people and help those that are in need — and be the first line of defense for that — is an amazing feeling that is appropriate."

"It’s not all about locking everybody up," McClarin added. "You’ve definitely got to have passion and compassion for people. I definitely feel like I did a good job that night — tried to get them off the street and have them somewhere to stay."

The Sheriff's Office shared the story on social media and encouraged others to highlight positive acts in the community.