Cars were moving at 70 mph along a Wake County highway when Deputy Devin Richardson spotted something small darting along the concrete barrier separating the lanes of traffic. It was a kitten, alone and exposed to the kind of speeds that leave little room for error. Richardson pulled over, then did something few drivers would attempt: he ran back into the moving traffic to reach it.
The moment was captured in a video posted to Facebook by the Wake County Sheriff's Office, which described how Richardson found the kitten crying in a gap in the barrier before scooping it to safety. The rescue placed the deputy directly in the path of highway traffic moving at highway speed, a risk underscored by state law that grants emergency responders speed exemptions during active operations on major corridors like those running through Wake County, according to background compiled from Wikipedia and Raleigh Traffic Ticket.
A Deputy With a History of Public Service
Richardson is no stranger to community recognition. He received a 2023 Garner Local Heroes Award for his public service and support of fallen law enforcement officers, as reported by WFMY News 2. The outlet noted he has served as a certified deputy in Wake County for several years. He also completed specialized training to become a certified K-9 handler with the sheriff's office, earning International Police Work Dog Association certification, per the Wake County Sheriff's Office's Facebook page.
Drivers approaching a stopped law enforcement vehicle on the shoulder are bound by North Carolina's Move Over Law, which requires motorists to change lanes or slow down significantly when passing a vehicle with flashing lights, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
From Highway Barrier to the Shelter Pipeline
Once safely off the highway, the kitten entered Wake County's animal welfare system through its standard intake process. It first went through the Wake County Animal Center. From there, the kitten came into the care of SPCA of Wake County.
Hoodline has also covered a Wake County cruelty case involving starving kittens.
