By Police1 Staff
PEORIA, Ariz. — Officer Brandon Sheffert was on night patrol in 2014 when he saw a teen sprinting down a busy street.
“We were kinda like, ‘this is odd. Nobody sprints like that, so let’s stop this kid,’” Sheffert told KSAZ.
After some questioning, the officers discovered Anthony Schultz, who was 16 at the time, was out for a run. But Sheffert could tell something was off and wanted to find out how to help.
“I couldn’t get through to him. He just seemed like there was something going on, and that there was something that was hurtful going on that he would say,” he said.
Sheffert stayed in contact with Schultz, who lived with seven other family members in a one-bedroom apartment. Over time, Sheffert began mentoring Schultz and developed a friendship with him.
“I had a role model,” Schultz told KSAZ. “I had someone I could look up to. I had someone I could aspire to be.”
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Things became more difficult at home for Schultz, leading to a phone call that would change the course of his life.
Schultz’s mom called Sheffert and told him he needed to take him because she couldn’t “take him anymore.” The Sheffert family took him in - planning for a short stay while things settled down at the teen’s home. But when Schultz turned 18, he was about to become homeless again. So the family decided to let him stay for as long as he needed.
“We have taken him in as one of our own,” Sheffert said. “Even my kids say he’s their big brother, and they love it.”
Schultz has learned how to drive and has taken his first plane ride. Next month, he’ll become the first person to graduate high school on time in his family in 30 years.
“One person can make a difference in any person’s life. Brandon’s that person that made a difference in my life,” Schultz said. “If [Sheffert] weren’t there night, there would be no one else ... I don’t think I would be here. I wouldn’t be the person I am. I could be in jail for all I know.”