After days of responding to emergency calls due to Tropical Storm Irma, Lawrenceville police officers got a welcome surprise: Shaquille O'Neal at their headquarters.

The former NBA star was at the Lawrenceville Police Department’s headquarters to film a public service announcement about distracted driving. He stopped to pose for photos with the officers (and an equally excited K-9 officer).

“After a very long few days of responding to Hurricane Irma emergency calls, it was a nice quick break for a photo,” the department wrote on its Facebook page.

O'Neal, who won three NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and another with the Miami Heat, has long had an interest in law enforcement. He was sworn as a Clayton County sheriff's deputy in December 2016. In August, he said he may run for Henry County sheriff in 2020.

Like Gwinnett County News on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal recently said he plans to run for sheriff in 2020.

About the Author

Keep Reading

People line up outside the federal building in Atlanta that houses an immigration court and ICE office. Several cases in the court are at the center of a disciplinary proceeding against Norcross immigration lawyer Christopher Taylor. (Ben Hendren/AJC 2025)

Credit: Ben Hendren

Featured

The city of Atlanta opened Azalea Fresh Market downtown to help residents find affordable groceries. (Natrice Miller/AJC)