Julio Diaz was a 31-year-old social worker in the Bronx who always got off the subway one stop early so he could eat at his favorite diner. One night in early 2008, a teenager pulled a knife on him on the platform and took his wallet. Julio handed it over, then called after the kid and offered him his coat too, since it was cold out. The boy was stunned and asked him why. Julio said if you’re willing to risk your freedom for a few dollars, you must really need help, and he invited him to dinner. At the diner, the kid noticed Julio was even kind to the dishwasher and said he didn’t think people actually acted that way. When the bill came, the boy gave the wallet back, Julio gave him $20, and the teenager handed over his knife.
