Valley police officer befriends teen he first met on night patrol

PEORIA, Ariz. — A Peoria police officer had a chance encounter with a local teen and that moment would connect them forever.

CNN told the story of when Peoria Police Department officer Brandon Sheffert was on night patrol a couple of years ago and noticed a teenage boy sprinting down a road.

That boy was 16-year-old Anthony Schultz. He told Sheffert that he was working out and, after a short conversation, the two parted ways.

Almost two months later, Sheffert responded to a 911 call about a domestic altercation. Schultz was there and the two recognized one another.

Though the situation was resolved, Sheffert began to check on Schultz almost every day. Once Schultz’s home life got worse, Sheffert and his wife made the decision to unofficially adopt him.

Sheffert said he tries to give Schultz the advice and support he needed. Schultz became a regular guest at their house and became a part of the family.

After posting failing grades in his first couple of years in high school, Schultz graduated this year. He planned to join the military.

Follow @KTAR923