In a shocking turn of events, a woman in Florida found an unlikely hero in Pizza Hut. Cheryl Treadway’s life was on the line when she was held hostage by her boyfriend, Ethan Nickerson, who was armed with a knife. But Treadway’s quick thinking and resourcefulness led her to place a life-saving order on the Pizza Hut app.
The order seemed ordinary enough – a small hand-tossed pizza with pepperoni. But Treadway had added a crucial note, pleading with the store owners to send help, as she was being held hostage. The local Pizza Hut received the order and immediately called the police, who arrived at Treadway’s home and arrested Nickerson.
This harrowing incident highlights the reality of domestic violence, which affects an estimated 4 million women each year. Treadway’s story is a testament to the importance of being aware of the warning signs of abuse and taking action to help those in need.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of physical violence at the hands of a current or former intimate partner. Treadway’s bravery and the swift response of the Pizza Hut staff and the police saved her life, but many others are not so fortunate.
The incident also brings to mind a powerful anti-domestic violence PSA that aired during the Super Bowl. The PSA featured a woman ordering a pizza while actually calling for help from the police. While the organization behind the PSA has faced criticism, the message remains valid and essential.
For those stuck in abusive relationships, the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers a range of resources, including a safety planning tool. This tool provides vital information on creating a safe exit plan, understanding legal rights, and finding support.
Treadway’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and responsive to the needs of those around us. Sometimes, help can come from unexpected places, and it’s crucial that we listen and take action when someone is asking for help.
