Routine traffic stop turns into incredibly touching experience for Alabama police officer

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March 18, 2015

GADSDEN, Ala. — When Gadsden Police officer Samuel Lowe pulled over a vehicle that was exceeding the speed limit on Wednesday, it started just like any other routine traffic stop, but it sure didn’t end like one.

Law enforcement officers never really know what they are getting into when they are walking up to a vehicle. Will the driver be combative or cooperative? Will they end up getting cursed out — or worse — for just doing their job, or will the driver suddenly offer to pray for them? Wait, does that actually happen? Apparently so.

Officer Lowe explained in a Facebook post Wednesday:

Have you ever driven by a traffic stop and seen the officer and driver outside their vehicles holding hands in prayer?…Me either. But you missed it today!

Earlier I stopped a vehicle for speeding and upon speaking to the driver, who was a male in his 50’s, I asked if there was any reason he was in a hurry. He explained that his wife was at home sick and he was trying to get to her, that he possibly needed to take her to the hospital. So I handed his license back and told him to get to his wife, wishing him well. He then turned to me and said “God bless you” which is semi-common, but then he asked “Can I pray for you?”.. Now this took me by complete surprise, but I never turn down an offer for prayer. So I said “I’d love it!” ..He then exits his car, took both my hands and proceeded to pray over me: for my health, for my family, for my safety; and in a way that seemed like he knew me and what was going on in my life!

Nothing like this has ever happened to me before or any officer I know, and in no way do I attribute it to anything I’ve done or deserve, but solely in the move of the Holy Spirit of God in these last days. There is a revival coming in the land, an Army of God is being raised up, and I’m astounded and humbled that someone like me can play a part!

State Rep. Mack Butler (R-Rainbow City), told Yellowhammer Wednesday evening that Lowe is one of his constituents, and said he wasn’t surprised at all that Lowe’s commitment to service compelled a stranger to react to him that way.

“This was such a refreshing story to hear at a time when there is such hostility toward members of law enforcement,” Butler said. “To learn that a citizen took the time to show love and compassion for a gentleman who each day puts himself in harm’s way — but was in no way known to this citizen — truly warms the heart and is truly a testament to our Alabama values.”