A mother in Cedar City, Utah, was traveling with her family and stopped to get gas at a Sinclair station. Before hitting the road again, she decided to use the bathroom. While she was in there, she heard the bathroom door abruptly open. Curiosity turned into adrenaline when a note written on cardboard from a kidnapping victim asking for help slid under her door.

“Help. Equinox 2017 white. My number [phone number]. He have my phone. Give to police.” When the mother left her stall, she approached the woman who had written the note.

“I said, ‘Are you in trouble?’ And she said, ‘Yes.’ So I said, ‘Okay, I’ll help you,'” she recounted to KSL reporters over the phone, maintaining her anonymity.

The victim encouraged her to give the note to the police, because her boyfriend, who kidnapped her from Las Vegas, was waiting outside and planned to harm her if she didn’t cooperate. The mother said the victim looked terrified and was shaking.

The mother then sprung into action to help the distressed woman

She left the bathroom and stood by her car, pretending to be on the phone to get a recording of the victim and her alleged kidnapper. During her performance, she captured a perfect image of the car and its license plate as the troubled woman climbed in.

“As soon as I got the license plate number, I called 911,” she said. “I just said, ‘There’s a lady here who needs help.'”

The mother faithfully followed the white SUV until local Sheriffs were able to pull the man over.

The man was arrested, saving the victim

Reporters followed up with the Sheriff’s department, who confirmed the man was arrested for aggravated assault and kidnapping.

The mother was glad to hear the woman was safely recovered and removed from the situation.

“It was kind of wild, but I am glad I was there,” she said. “You know, it’s good to be aware and try to help people in those situations.”