A New Mexico man arrested for shoplifting baby formula received a surprise when police officers arrived.

Instead of carting the man to jail, Roswell police bought $80 worth of baby formula for him, and are helping him find a job.

The act of kindness occurred on Sunday, when a 23-year-old was spotted stealing formula at Albertson's. Officers called to the scene felt they couldn't arrest the young father in good conscience.

"Everybody just kind of had that look on their face like, 'we got to do something here,'" Officer Joe Mason told KOB Eyewitness News 4. "I mean, it wasn't like he was shoplifting liquor, he didn't have any criminal intent. He wanted to feed his kid."

Mason and Officers Chris Bradley, Anthony Armijo, and Arturo Alvarado decided to help the man.

"We went and talked to the store; they said they would agree not to press charges," Mason said. The officers bought formula for the desperate dad, and Albertson's also donated formula to him.

"He was very appreciative; he told me he would never look at cops the same way again," the officer said.

"It felt great," Officer Bradley added. "It's why I signed up. I know it sounds corny, but I want to help people as much as I possibly can, especially in my own community."

Bradley is a father himself, and said he can relate to the young man's need to provide for his 11-month-old.

"I put myself in his shoes, just what I would do in that situation," he said. "I mean, when you're put in a situation for your kids, you being a dad... he had no criminal intent; he was just trying to feed his kid."

Officers discovered the man had a barber's license, and recently lost his job.

"So there's a few of us that are contacting some people that we know in the community trying to see if we can help him find a job," Mason explained. "Officer Bradley and Officer Armijo gave him quite a bit of information on public assistance and things that he can do," he added.

The man was banned from Albertson's, but officers believe he learned his lesson without having to be arrested.

"Everybody learns their lessons different ways," Bradley explained. "I think this way, the guy realised that people actually do care and they want to help him. I think with him knowing that, he's going to better himself."