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A Struggling Woman Gave This Officer Attitude. His Response Helped Save Her Life

September 23, 2025

What began as a routine traffic stop in Cabarrus County ended up changing the course of one woman’s life—all because of a deputy’s compassion.

Singleton and Ricchini | Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Shawn Singleton pulled over 26-year-old Katelyn Ricchini in March for speeding after she left church. The stop started with tension. Ricchini admitted she gave the officer “absolute attitude,” telling him she’d never trusted police.

He let her off with a warning—and that’s when the conversation took a surprising turn.

Body camera footage shows Singleton asking if she was doing okay. Ricchini broke down, confessing her struggles with anxiety, her journey to stay clean and sober, and the painful reality of leaving an abusive relationship in Maryland. She had even left behind her 5-year-old son to focus on recovery.

Through tears, she accepted Singleton’s offer of a hug.

“I’ve never hugged a cop before, I’ve always been put in handcuffs by them,” Ricchini shared.

That moment of kindness became a turning point. Ricchini later revealed she had been close to giving up on life that day. Instead, Singleton’s words reminded her she still had potential and a future worth fighting for.

Six months later, she introduced the deputy to her son—proudly sharing that she was 10 months sober, working full-time, and finally reunited with her little boy.

“Look, this is one of the guys that saved my life,” she told her son.

Singleton, humbled by the impact of that single encounter, said:

“I try to show mercy and grace where I can, because that’s what I believe is the calling for myself and for law enforcement… If you have that moment, that chance to show that sympathy, and that moment to do it, it may mean the difference to somebody else.”

Ricchini now has her sights set on a full year of sobriety this November—and she has invited the deputy who changed everything to celebrate alongside her.

Watch the video below: