Following theft, Cortland cop buys 9-year-old boy a new bike

CORTLAND, N.Y. – A 9-year-old boy who had his new bicycle stolen a few days after his birthday received a welcome surprise from a city police officer on Christmas Eve.

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In early December, Officer Ryan Gross with the City of Cortland Police Department learned that Cal, a 9-year-old boy who had received a bike for his birthday from his dad, had the present stolen several days later.

With no suspects identified in the case, it appeared unlikely Cal would ever see the bike again.

Deciding to get into the holiday spirit, Officer Gross showed up at Cal's house on Christmas Eve with a brand new bike – the same make and model that was reported missing.

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Ryan Gross, a patrol officer with the city of Cortland Police Department, delivering a new bike to Cal (photo provided)

"I wanted to do a nice gesture and try and help a family out when they needed it," Gross said.

Gross, who grew up in the Cortland area and has been with the city police department for seven years, said the boy was very appreciate of the gift.

Along with the new bike, Officer Gross also purchased bike locks for Cal and his sister.

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