NC Deputy Turns Speeding Stop Into Life-Saving Moment for Struggling Mother

CABARRUS COUNTY, North Carolina — What began as a routine traffic stop for speeding turned into a life-changing moment for one North Carolina mother. Katelyn Ricchini says her encounter with Deputy Shawn Singleton of the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office earlier this year helped her stay sober and gave her a renewed outlook on life.

Bodycam Captured a Tense but Transformative Encounter

The incident, recorded on bodycam footage in March, showed Deputy Singleton pulling over Ricchini after clocking her driving 61 mph in a 45 zone. What started as a tense exchange quickly shifted after Ricchini revealed her struggles with anxiety, sobriety, and past trauma with law enforcement.

Singleton ultimately issued only a warning ticket and asked if Ricchini was okay. Through tears, she shared that she had recently moved to North Carolina to escape an abusive relationship and was fighting to regain custody of her young son. The deputy then offered a hug, which she accepted.

“I never hugged a cop before,” Ricchini said, later explaining the moment gave her strength to keep fighting.

From Despair to Sobriety

Ricchini later revealed she had been on the verge of giving up that day. “I was actually on my way to probably do something that wasn’t in my best interest,” she told local news.

Now 10 months sober, Ricchini credits that traffic stop with changing her trajectory. She has since reunited with Deputy Singleton and introduced him to her son, telling the boy: “Look, this is one of the guys that saved my life.”

Sheriff’s Office Praises Compassion

The Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the encounter in a Facebook post, writing:
“Sometimes a traffic stop isn’t just about enforcing laws — it’s about kindness that changes lives.”

Officials added that Deputy Singleton’s compassion showed how law enforcement can build trust and foster positive change in communities.

Ricchini echoed that sentiment, saying the deputy saw her as a person, not just an addict. “He saw my heart, and he saw that I had potential when so many people had counted me out.”

This story serves as a reminder that even routine moments can lead to life-saving impact when met with understanding and compassion. For more powerful community stories and local news updates, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.