While patrolling a remote road late at night, I spotted movement near a ditch. It was a woman, barefoot, in a bathrobe, and clearly terrified. I approached carefully, but she backed away, crying, “Please don’t hurt me!” Then came the shocker: “My husband and his mom did this.” What she revealed next made my blood run cold, and forced me to call for immediate backup…
I approached her slowly, trying to seem as non-threatening as possible. "Hey, it's okay," I said. "I'm here to help. Let's get you some help, alright?" She nodded, though her eyes still held fear. I radioed for medical assistance, keeping my voice steady as I explained the situation. In the silence of the night, my words felt loud. She looked at me, a glimmer of hope crossing her eyes.