Ticket to ride — Over two dozen motorists were pulled over by Los Indios Police on Christmas Eve, but instead of citations, they received $25 gift cards. (Courtesy photo/LIPD)
By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
LOS INDIOS, TX—While patrolling their community on Christmas Eve, local law enforcement officers stopped more than two dozen motorists, but instead of issuing citations to those drivers, they were issued something surprising.
LIPD officers switched things up this Christmas Eve by offering motorists gift cards instead of issuing traffic tickets, said longtime Police Chief Eddie “Boy” Mendoza.
“This holiday season, we’re spreading smiles, kindness, and a whole lot of love throughout our community,” the department’s Facebook page read, with many positive comments on the interactions.
Mendoza, who has spent seven years with LIPD, five as police chief, concurred.
Twenty drivers received gift cards from the City of Los Indios, a tradition Chief Mendoza said has been longstanding, the result of the department’s efforts, city leaders, and the mayor’s office.
The event is simple to plan, Chief Mendoza said.
“We do this yearly; our department receives donations in conjunction with our Christmas Toy Drive, and each year we are fortunate to have additional monetary donations, which we use to fund gift cards,” he said. “Seeing the smiles and gratitude from the community was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Moments like these strengthen relationships and build lasting trust between law enforcement and the community we serve.”
Los Indios is a border town near the Rio Grande and is nestled along State Hwy 281. It crosses FM 509, about 10 miles from US 69 in San Benito.
Children here attend schools with the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District.
Los Indios, with a population of just over 1,000 residents, is part of the Brownsville/Harlingen Metropolitan Area.
Chief Mendoza said in their role as law enforcement officers, many motorists who are stopped are driving through town, and some are Los Indios residents.
“We strive to show our community and surrounding communities that we are all in this together—especially during the holiday season,” Chief Mendoza said.
“This year, we conducted traffic stops for minor violations, and instead of issuing citations, motorists were educated on the infraction, given a warning, and surprised with a generous gift card. The reactions were priceless—motorists were excited, smiling, and truly happy to be pulled over for a change as we shared a little holiday cheer.”
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