Police officer helps man who assaulted him find a job six years later: "People forgive and forget"



RICHMOND, Virginia -- A Virginia police officer was surprised to see the man who assaulted him six years prior ask him for help.

Richmond Police Officer Rey Perez does more than just serve and protect in Richmond's Mosby Court community. He also works to boost confidence and the economy.

Perez came up with "Bridging the Gap: One Human at a Time."

The six-week program trains people with checkered pasts -- helping them to find and keep jobs.

"I came up with a program to help enhance people’s skills. Most of the people give me the same answer -- that they couldn’t or they made a mistake many years ago. They needed some help," Perez said.

Jeffrey Perry is one of those who needed help.

55-year-old Perry served 18 years in prison for driving a getaway car during a robbery. He called his time behind bars exhausting and scary. When he was released last summer, he was determined to turn over a new leaf.

Give his past, Neal was skeptical.