Man takes hand of Texas City officer who arrested him 8 years earlier, prays with him for officers' safety

TEXAS CITY, TX (KTRK) -- A heartfelt moment between a Texas City officer and a man he arrested nearly a decade ago is going viral on social media.

Senior Patrolman Salvador "Sal" Chapa says he was at a barbecue cook off Saturday when a man approached and asked to pray with him.

Chapa says he arrested the man, whom he identified as Doc Amey, eight years ago on a gun charge. Amey ultimately was convicted and sentenced to prison.

During his time behind bars, Amey reportedly turned to God and the Bible for help changing the path of his life. When he was released from prison, the man went to college and continued to study the Bible.

Chapa says he's seen Amey around town several times, but it was the recent violent attacks against officers that prompted Amey to reconnect with him.

Chapa says Amey took him to the side, away from the crowd, and together they recited a prayer for officers' safety.

Another man at the barbecue witnessed the moment and snapped a photo, then posted it online, writing in part:

"We should be seeing more of this in America. There shouldn't be race involved and this is living proof that color doesn't matter. This is a prime example. All lives matter ONE NATION UNDER GOD! prayers to your brother and I pray for you. Continue of your path brother thank you for saying a prayer for my brother."

The post received more than 10,000 Facebook shares.

Chapa says he's grateful for the man's actions and everyone's reaction to the photograph.

"After seeing the picture getting posted and all, I was overwhelmed but at the same time I was happy it happened. I hope whoever views it looks at police in a different aspect. We're here to help everybody," Chapa said.