Drivers pulled over for violations get holiday turkey

BILLINGS (AP) — Some Montana traffic enforcement officers gave out Thanksgiving turkeys instead of tickets.

After pulling over drivers Wednesday for traffic violations, officers with the Billings Police Department checked for any outstanding warrants. They then returned with a written warning and a frozen turkey.

Steve Gountanis, a local businessman, purchased 20 turkeys and asked the department to distribute them in time for Thanksgiving.

One driver, Larry Riddle, was pulled over for not signaling his turn. Riddle received only a warning and a bird to cook for the upcoming holiday.

Riddle appreciated the surprise.

Riddle’s wife died of cancer a couple of years ago, and he now lives alone on a limited budget. But he tries each year to make a meal for his daughter, Amber, and himself.