Minnesota state trooper who pulled a doctor over for speeding ended up giving her his N95 medical masks instead of a fine

A Minnesota state trooper who pulled over a doctor for speeding ended up giving her his protective face masks instead of a fine.

Dr. Sarosh Ashraf Janjua, who works as a cardiologist in a coronavirus quarantine unit in Duluth, was pulled over to the side of the road by Trooper Brian Schwartz last week for traveling 85mph in a 70mph zone.

But as the pair were talking the mood suddenly changed.  

'He went back to his patrol car to look up my license, and when he returned, quite firmly told me it was very irresponsible of me to be speeding, especially since I would not only take up resources if I got into an accident, but would also not be in a position to help patients.Feeling thoroughly chastised, I waited for him to write me a ticket. Instead, he told me he was going to let me off with a warning,' Janjua wrote.

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Instead of fining her, Trooper Brian Schwartz gave cardiologist Dr. Sarosh Janjua five N95 medical masks that had been given for his protection from the deadly COVID-19

Even the police thanked her for her service despite speeding on a local Interstate

Instead of writing out a speeding ticket, he instead offered her an act of extraordinary kindness. 

Schwartz gave Janjua five N95 masks that he was supposed to be using for his own protection. 

'As I sputtered to apologize and say thank you, he reached in to hand me what I assumed was my license back. It wasn’t until my hand had closed around what he was giving me that its unexpected bulkiness drew my eyes to it.

'Five N95 masks, from the supply the state had given him for his protection.

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The trooper gave her a stern warning but decided not to give her a ticket (file photo)

'I burst into tears. And though it may just have been the cold wind, I think he teared up a little as well, before wishing me well and walking away,' Janjua wrote in an emotional post on Facebook. 

'This complete stranger, who owed me nothing and is more on the front lines than I am, shared his precious masks with me, without my even asking.'

Schwartz said he offered Janjua the masks after spotting 'what appeared to be two used N95 masks in Ashraf's purse that he assumed she was reusing.'

'Thank you to Sarosh for her hard work and dedication,' the Minnesota State Patrol said on Facebook. 'Troopers are working hard during the pandemic and are thinking about all the first responders who are caring for Minnesotans during this critical time.'   

The N95 respirator masks are in short supply which makes the trooper's gesture even more significant. 

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Janjua had mentioned that she was 'afraid' of not having the proper equipment to protect herself and getting sick

In some cases, physicians have been forced to wear used masks which risks further infection 

Janjua had mentioned that she was 'afraid' of not having the proper equipment to protect herself and getting sick. 

'Like all healthcare workers and emergency responders around the world, I have felt afraid of not having adequate protective equipment, and in my darkest moments, have worried about what would happen if I fell sick far from home,' she wrote.  

'I think we are all just hanging on to something that makes us feel safe,' Janjua told CNN. 'Somehow, for Americans, that something has become N95 masks and toilet paper. Trooper Schwartz' act of kindness became my something.'