EAGAN, Minn -- It's not quite the twinkling lights you hope to see this time of year.
Officer Bryan Johnson with the Eagan Police Department flashed his red and blue lights and pulled over a driver that didn't have his lights on during the day's snowfall. It was just one of several stops in a special holiday sting operation.
"Hi, sir, Officer Johnson from Eagan PD, how are you? I think your parking lights are on," he told another driver.
As a little Christmas magic would have it, the ticket never came. Officer Johnson instead pulled out $100 bill.
Johnson was asked to commit acts of generosity as part of the "Santa Stop" operation. An anonymous Eagan resident came forward and asked the police department to brighten the public's holiday by handing out a total of $1000, giving ten people $100 each. He was inspired by similar gestures around the country.
"I think with all the negative press going on right now it's nice to make people aware that law enforcement they are just people too," said the donor.
So, Officer Johnson gladly welcomed the challenge and patrolled areas with lower income housing and looked for older model, scratched and dented cars.
"Not somebody driving a 2014 Lexus or something because they don't need the money as much as somebody driving an older vehicle might," said Officer Johnson, reflecting on the struggles in the community face.
"Especially around the holiday, and you walk in and they don't have any presents under the tree. It's unfortunate but when you are in this line of work we have to deal with people when they are at their worst," he said.
So the day before Christmas Eve brought a chance to do just the opposite. He sped up when he noticed a driver with expired plates.
"Well, there is more than reason why I stopped you because I did want to give to you something m'am," said Officer Johnson, handing over the cash.
"You know what? That is so great, oh my gosh!" the woman exclaimed. "You guys, Merry Christmas!"
She told Officer Johnson she would give the money to a new homeless program at her church. Another man said he would donate his $100 to the Salvation Army. A grandmother said she would use the money on her grandchildren. A mother of four said her family could use the money to go out to a restaurant. The looks of disappointment quickly turned to tears and even hugs when Officer Johnson explained the anonymous donation.
The donor wanted people to stop and see everyday miracles, something he knows. Two decades ago, he suffered a severe asthma attack and called 911. Two Eagan officers rendered aid and oxygen and stabilized him.
"I'm not sure I'd be here today, I was hospitalized 10 days," he said.
Santa wears many uniforms, some go unseen, with others dressed in a badge and blue.
"If just one person can benefit from this, my job's done and I hope it spreads," said the "Secret Santa."
