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CMPD officer praised for comforting autistic teen

A Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer is getting praise on social media after he sat with an autistic high school student who may have been suicidal.

The department posted the photo on its Facebook page showing Officer Tim Purdy sitting on the ground next to the student in order to build a connection with him.

The post described the young man as having a neurodevelopmental disorder and also having a history of displaying violent behavior.

Purdy talked to the young man and even got him laughing, the post said.

He was able to establish trust and a relationship that allowed officers to get him the help he needed.