Kid Holding 'Free Hugs' Sign at Protest Attracts Cop's Attention. What Happens at the End of Their Encounter Goes Viral.

Police Sergeant Bret Barnum was wearing protective head gear and patrolling a protest earlier this week in Portland, Oregon — one of several flashpoint U.S. cities that have seen demonstrations after a grand jury decided not to indict a white police officer who fatally shot a 18-year-old black man in Ferguson, Missouri, in August.

But amid the and anger and loud voices on Nov. 25, something altogether different got Barnum's attention: A kid with tears in his eyes holding a sign that read "Free Hugs."

The 21-year police vet motioned over 12-year-old Devonte Hart and the pair chatted about the demonstration, school, art and life, the Oregonian reported. When their chat was over, Barnum reportedly pointed to Hart's sign and asked, "Do I get one of those?" Here's the kid's answer:

Image source: AP/Johnny Huu Nguyen

Shortly after the Oregonian posted the photo Friday, more than 100,000 Facebook users shared or viewed the image taken by freelance photographer Johnny Nguyen, the paper reported.

Seven people were arrested during Tuesday's protest and parts of several highways were closed when pedestrians entered them, ABC News said, citing police reports.