A Dangerous Situation and the Heroic Help from Pizza Hut
In May 2015, a woman in Florida found herself in an incredibly dangerous situation—one that many people might never expect to face. But thanks to quick thinking, her phone, and a local Pizza Hut, she was able to escape what seemed like a hopeless ordeal.
The woman’s name was Cheryl Treadway, and she lived in Highlands County, Florida. On May 4, she and her children were caught in a terrifying situation with her boyfriend, Ethan Nickerson. Nickerson was holding a knife and threatening to harm them. Cheryl was trapped, unsure of how to get out safely.
But what she did next was both clever and courageous. While in the midst of this hostage situation, Cheryl managed to sneak away for just a moment to grab her phone. She quickly opened the Pizza Hut app and placed an order for a small hand-tossed pepperoni pizza. It seemed like a normal order, but she added something very important in the comments section:
TOP CLICKED: Pizza ordering app saves woman in hostage situation. Story: http://t.co/NBDFdQJfJ7 pic.twitter.com/V1YWepftN9
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) May 6, 2015
“I’m being held hostage. Please help. Call the police.”
It was a risky move. If Ethan had seen what she was doing, things could have ended very differently. But Cheryl took that chance, hoping someone would recognize the seriousness of the message and act on it.
Pizza Hut’s Quick Action Saves the Day
When the Pizza Hut employees received Cheryl’s order, they immediately noticed the unusual message in the comments. They didn’t waste a second. They called the police right away, explaining the situation and giving them Cheryl’s address.
The police rushed to Cheryl’s home and arrived just in time to save her and her children. They arrested Ethan Nickerson, and Cheryl was able to finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Her quick thinking and the help from the attentive Pizza Hut staff had saved her life.
The Hidden Dangers of Domestic Violence
Unfortunately, Cheryl’s story is not an isolated one. Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects millions of people each year. In fact, about 4 million women in the United States experience domestic violence every year. While Cheryl was lucky, many others aren’t able to escape their dangerous situations.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced physical violence from a partner, whether it’s someone they’re currently with or a former partner. Domestic violence comes in many forms, from physical harm to emotional manipulation. And for those trapped in these situations, it’s not always easy to just leave.
A Powerful PSA and Real-Life Connection
Cheryl’s story is a reminder of the importance of recognizing when someone is in danger, even if they don’t say it directly. A powerful public service announcement (PSA) aired during the Super Bowl one year, showcasing a woman who pretended to order a pizza while actually speaking to the police. This clever tactic is a real-life method used by victims who need help but can’t openly say it.
The organization behind that PSA, No More, does important work to raise awareness about domestic violence. While No More, like any organization, isn’t perfect, the message of their PSA is crucial: we need to be aware of the signs that someone might be reaching out for help. Sometimes, those signs aren’t obvious.
A 911 operator shared on Reddit that this type of situation—where a person hides their request for help in a seemingly normal conversation—has happened in real life. They’ve had people call 911 under the guise of ordering a pizza, and it’s up to the operator to recognize the code.
The Importance of Paying Attention
What if the Pizza Hut manager hadn’t realized the gravity of Cheryl’s message? What if they hadn’t called the police? Or what if the 911 operator had missed the woman’s subtle plea for help in the PSA? These questions show how vital it is to be alert and understand the signs of distress.
The truth is, not everyone trapped in an abusive relationship can just leave. The reasons for staying—whether fear, financial dependence, or other complex factors—make it incredibly difficult. That’s why it’s so important for all of us—whether we’re 911 operators, police officers, or even someone ordering a pizza—to recognize when something’s not quite right and take action.
A Reminder of Hope and the Power of Awareness
Cheryl’s story ends with hope and relief, but we must remember that not everyone gets that same happy ending. There are so many people suffering in silence, unsure of where to turn. But the good news is, there are resources available to help them.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides critical resources for people in abusive situations. They offer a safety planning tool that can help individuals figure out how to safely leave an abusive relationship, what steps to take next, and how to protect themselves and their loved ones.
This tool provides vital advice and support, which can make a huge difference in a survivor’s ability to escape. For those who are not in abusive relationships, it’s easy to assume that leaving would be simple—but for many, it’s much harder.
That’s why everyone needs to be aware of the signs and ready to help. If you notice someone acting strangely, or if you get a message that doesn’t seem right, take a moment to look closer. It could be a cry for help, and it could save a life.
Making a Difference
In the end, Cheryl’s story is a powerful reminder of how important it is to pay attention and be ready to step in when someone is in danger. Thanks to the quick thinking of the Pizza Hut staff and the response of the police, Cheryl and her children were able to escape unharmed.
But many others aren’t as lucky. That’s why it’s so crucial that we all stay aware, listen for the signs, and act when we can. Whether it’s calling 911, recognizing a hidden message, or just being there for someone who needs help, every action counts.
What Do You Think?
What’s your opinion on stories like Cheryl’s? Have you ever heard of someone reaching out for help in a hidden way? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
