You may remember the story 23ABC brought to you last month about a Bakersfield police officer who bonded with a little boy over Pokémon cards. Well, the story continues.
When officer Sergio Ortega responded to a call regarding online harassment 9-year old Brandon was scared of the officer. Ortega noticed Brandon was wearing a Pokemon t-shirt, so he decided to ask that child who their favorite Pokemon was. Dragonite was Brandon's answer. Ortega shared that his favorite Pokemon was Charmander. After half-an-hour passed, Brandon was calm enough to tell the officer what had taken place.
Before Ortega left, Brandon ran back to a bedroom and returned with a Charmander Pokemon card. Brandon told Ortega that it would keep him safe at work. He responded saying he would keep it with him in his vest.
Saturday Ortega stopped by Brandon's house to return the favor.
Brandon's story went viral and Ortega says he received donations from all over the world so he could give Brandon an exciting surprise.
"It was amazing. The look on his face. He was just excited and we were here just to remind him hey we're your friends. Law enforcement officers are here to help you. Don't be scared of us," said Ortega.
Ortega and Brandon played with the new Pokémon cards and toys and Ortega said he hopes Brandon always remembers that police officers are just like us.
