Man Pulled Over for Expired Tag Meets Love of His Life

When Kenneth Schroeder was pulled over back in August for an expired tag, he didn’t think the experience would end with a trip down the aisle.

But, that’s exactly what will happen Saturday when Schroeder marries Patricia Hopkins. The two met at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office when Schroeder visited to renew his tag.

The whirlwind romance got its start Aug. 11 when Schroeder was pulled over by Cpl. Preston DiVirgilis for driving with an expired tag. The deputy was working an overtime detail and happened to spot the 51-year-old Holiday resident’s outdated tag.

After a brief exchange with DiVirgilis, Schroeder promised he would take care of the tag the next day. And, unlike so many others who say they will do that, he actually did, Melanie Snow, sheriff’s office spokeswoman, pointed out in an email to media.

When Schroeder went to pay his fees Aug. 12, Hopkins, 49, waited on him. Both widowed, the two hit it off quite quickly, Schroeder recalled.

“We just talked like we’ve known each other for 30 years,” he said.

After a short chat, Schroeder paid his fees, picked up his registration and left, but couldn’t help thinking about the lady behind the counter. So, he asked his niece, Sarah Madera, who works at the same office to see if Hopkins might be interested in talking more.

The rest, as they say, is history.

The couple plan to wed Saturday at a friend’s home in Spring Hill. They’ve asked DiVirgilis to be there.

Schroeder, in fact, called him personally to “thank him” for pulling him over and to invite him to the ceremony.

“We’ve got powers above that are pushing us to make it happen,” Schroeder said of his and Hopkins’ instant connection. DiVirgilis, he added, is part of the story.

The two also have a renewal ceremony planned in February, so Hopkins’ older brother, Paul, can walk her down the aisle.

Schroeder admits everything happened fast, but says when it’s right, it’s right.

Hopkins agrees.

“We are so comfortable together,” she said. “We’re not going into this blindsided. We’ve looked for red flags, (but there aren’t any). I can’t believe how much we fit.”

As for DiVirgilis, his coworkers are now calling him “Cpl. Cupid,” Snow said.

How did you meet the love of your life? Tell us by commenting below!

Photo Credit: Patricia Hopkins sketched this while on a recent date with Schroeder in Tarpon Springs. Image courtesy of Kenneth Schroeder.