A police officer purchased an unhoused man a brand new guitar after he reported his stolen earlier this month.

James Berteig, the Port Townsend Police Department’s newest hire, developed a rapport with the man after he’d taken the theft report.

“The man was so upset. He kept telling him his guitar was the only way he was going to make money and get off the street,” said Sergeant Kamal Sharif.

After taking the report, Berteig and fellow officers searched everywhere for the guitar, but could not locate it.

“Berteig came to me and said ‘hey, if you see this guy, tell him I have something for him,” Sharif recalled.

On Aug. 2, Sharif was dispatched to a call where the man was present. He alerted Berteig, who showed up shortly after.

“He talked to him with a gentle, soft approach. I watched as they chatted for a while, and then Berteig opened up the back of his patrol car and pulled out a brand new guitar,” Sharif said.

The guitar was was an electric maroon and black Ibanez, valued at over $200.

“It was his own money. No one put him up to it,” Sharif said.

“The man was ecstatic; the look on his face was priceless.”

Beret was honored with several awards at the department for his community engagement.

“He’s a kind soul,” said Sharif.

“This event really showed the quality of character we have at the department.”