Officer Brian Collins was only a few blocks away when the dispatch came through. He responded with his lights flashing, pulling his cruiser aggressively up to the curb just as Kendrick was nearing the park.
Melissa Adams practically burst out of her front door, marching down her driveway with a vindicated glare. She pointed a finger directly at Kendrick.
"Officer, that's the kid stealing all the bikes. Arrest him," Melissa declared loudly.
Kendrick stopped in his tracks, his heart hammering against his ribs. "No," he said, raising a hand defensively while keeping his grip on the bikes. "I was just trying to scare off a thief."
Officer Collins stepped out of his cruiser, resting his hand on his utility belt. He looked at Kendrick, then at the two bikes. "I can clearly see you with two bicycles," Collins scoffed. "You think I'm stupid? You're under arrest."
"Hold on," Kendrick pleaded, his voice steady despite the fear rising in his throat. "It's not what it looks like. I'm helping a kid."