Being stopped by a cop can normally induce panic—but a number of lucky people were all smiles when this officer approached them.

As he walked the streets of his 14-year patrol route one final time, Commander Brian Peters, a retiring Minnesota policeman, sought out citizens who could use some extra money for groceries or school supplies and handed them gift cards.

He says the people he stopped were apprehensive – then appreciative – when he gave them $50 gift cards to Target and Cub Foods.

Shaundra Lindsay told KARE-TV she was nervous at first when the officer approached her and her three children at a metro transit stop.

"I got a little scared, but he came to me with some good news," she said. "I didn't know what he was coming over here to me for. It was a surprise. He blessed us and I am really happy about that."

Peters gave out the equivalent of his last paycheck, saying, "The citizens and city have been wonderful to me. I am very blessed, so it feels good to give back."

He says he will look for other opportunities to serve the community in his new position as manager of the crisis center at Target's Minnesota headquarters.

(WATCH video below or READ more at KARE)  Photo: KARE video – Story tip from S Ghent

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