A teenager from New Mexico, hailing from modest beginnings, set out one day to buy socks for his grandpa but stumbled upon $135,000 (almost Rs 1.1 crore) in cash instead.
Jose Nuñez Romaniz finally found the socks his grandfather wanted online. While depositing money at a bank machine on Sunday to make the purchase, he discovered large bundles of cash beside the ATM. Instead of keeping the money, the 19-year-old alerted the police to help return it to its rightful owner.
“I didn’t know what to do. I was, like, dreaming," he told CNN. “I was just in shock. I was looking at myself and just thinking, What should I do?".
The Albuquerque Police Department shared the story on Facebook, applauding Romaniz for his selfless actions. He was invited to the police academy, where he was acknowledged and honoured for his act of kindness. The post mentions that he was also rewarded with money for his good deed. Romaniz contacted the police after discovering the money, as the Wells Fargo bank he was visiting was closed that day.
Two officers arrived, who took the cash and counted it at the station.
“This money could have made an incredible difference in his life if he had chosen another path, but he chose … the path of integrity and did the right thing," Officer Simon Drobik, a spokesman for the Albuquerque police, told CNN.
“What a great opportunity for us to see some good in the community amidst all the tragedies we witness involving young people; this truly restores our faith in the community," Albuquerque police Chief Mike Geier said on Thursday while presenting Romaniz with a plaque, as reported by KRQE-TV.
Even though it might have been tempting to take the money, Romaniz, who comes from humble beginnings, never entertained the thought of keeping the cash.
“My parents always taught me to earn my own money," he said. “Ill-gotten money wouldn’t provide lasting benefit."
His kind-heartedness did not go unnoticed. Albuquerque ESPN Radio 101.7 FM presented him with signed sports memorabilia and six season tickets for University of New Mexico football. Additionally, three local businesses each gifted the teen $500 (almost Rs 41,000).
Despite the day’s unexpected turn of events, his grandpa ultimately got what he needed, he shared it with the radio station. “I went back home and completed my online shopping."
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