Albany Police Department.

By Michael Mashburn From Daily Voice

To help or not to help – that’s the debate swirling after a New York woman accused Albany Police of leaving her friend high and dry.

Taking to Facebook Tuesday, Nov. 19, Tori Helene recounted how her female friend suffered a flat tire in the middle of the night, right outside the agency’s Madison Avenue headquarters. So, she went inside and asked if an officer could help her slap on the spare tire.

But her expectations, much like her tire, were quickly deflated.

“She went across the street into the station and spoke to them asking for help. THEY SENT HER BACK OUTSIDE,” Helene wrote in the comments, noting the frigid 30-degree temperature at the time.

“Not one cop that was just sitting at their desk waiting for something to happen would help her take the literally five minutes it took to put her donut on,” she continued. “Protect and serve who?? Kiss my ass.”

Fortunately for her friend, Helene and her boyfriend soon arrived and Helene's boyfriend put on the donut.

Helene’s post had garnered nearly 200 comments days later, drawing sharply divided reactions. Many argued that changing tires is not part of a police officer’s duties.

“Do you think the police change flat tires? You know that’s what roadside [assistance] is for,” one commenter wrote.

Another said police officers are “not mechanics nor roadside assistance,” adding that calling police for a tire change is “a complete misuse of services when there are actual emergencies.”

One dismissed the complaint with humor, referencing the “donut” pun: “They rather eat the donut.”

A small minority were on her side, arguing that officers should help when someone is stranded late at night.

“Good cops actually would help someone. It’s part of protecting and serving,” one commenter wrote.

Another said public safety includes assisting people who feel unsafe or stuck on the side of the road, especially alone after midnight.

“Not everyone knows how to change a tire,” the commenter added.

“Being stranded… can be dangerous, “said another. “Sometimes the ‘small’ things are exactly what keep people safe.”

Daily Voice reached out to the Albany Police Department for comment.

What Do You Think? Flat tire at midnight: Should cops step in or stay out of it? Sound off in our poll above.