Houston-area police make third-grade boy one of their own after he was bullied at school

Eight-year-old third grader Michael Martinez dreams of being a police officer. So for career day at his school earlier this month, he dressed in police uniform to be like his heroes.

"The police are there for us," said Michael.

But the day was ruined by a bully Michael's mom, Angie Martinez, told Houston's KRIV-TV.

Michael was born prematurely. For all of his life, he's been wheelchair-bound. On the day he went to school in police costume, a classmate came up to him and got physical.

"This boy came up to me and kind of shook me," Michael told the news station.

"He just kind of put his hands on him, shook him a little bit, and kind of threw him to the side off of his wheelchair," Angie Martinez explained.

Well, when the local police department heard about the incident, they decided to do something special for their fan. According to KRIV, the police officers wanted to treat Michael like one of their own and they did so.

On Thursday last week, members of the Humble Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety surprised him with a police escort to school.

"I didn’t know the police were picking me up," said Michael. "I had a really fun day."

He was given gifts, took a tour of the police department, and arrived at school that day accompanied by flashing lights and blaring sirens.

"This was the most exciting thing that’s happened [ever]," said Michael.

Police officers also joined Michael for lunch that day and took pictures with him, which were shared by the Houston Police Department on social media.

"It's sad and unfortunate to hear, but it does happen. Michael Martinez was being bullied at his school. To show our support and encouragement, Texas Department of Public Safety - Southeast Texas Region Troopers escorted Michael to school along with Humble Independent School District police officers Martin & Morgan," the Texas Department of Public Safety wrote on Facebook.

"Michael, we hope you have a good day!"

A spokesperson for the Humble Independent School District gave a written statement to KRIV explaining that the student who bullied Michael was disciplined.

"Unacceptable behavior is not tolerated," said a Humble ISD spokesperson. "The student faced consequences according to the Student Code of Conduct. We welcome law enforcement officers on our campuses. Law enforcement officers serve as positive role models for students."

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