Officer performs routine traffic stop, only for woman to mouth “help me” from passenger seat

It feels like the sacrifices and heroic exploits made by police offers are too often overlooked these days, in an age where those who wear the badge find themselves routinely criticized and even condemned for the behavior of a select number of their peers.

I was raised to have the utmost respect for those brave men and women who opt to keep our society safe, sometimes at the cost of their very lives. Sure, not everyone who dons a uniform is fit to do so, but for the most part, the individuals who elect to protect and serve take their responsibilities seriously indeed.

A police officer from South Carolina is currently being praised far and wide for preventing the kidnapping of a woman who mouthed “help me” at what seemed to be a routine traffic stop.

Credit: North Myrtle Beach Police

As per reports, Officer Wallace, with the North Myrtle Beach Police, had been patrolling US Highway 17 in the early hours of May 28 when she spotted a white jeep run a red light at an intersection.

Officer Wallace performed a traffic stop and found a female driver and male passenger, the former of whom was said to be visibly distressed.

If that wasn’t enough to alert Officer Wallace’s suspicions, the woman behind the wheel of the car silently mouthed “help me” as the male passenger looked away from her.

Officer Wallace removed the man from the car, placing him in the backseat of her patrol car. The female driver then proceeded to tell Officer Wallace that he had allegedly just shot someone and forced her to drive the getaway vehicle.

“Due to Officer Wallace proactively patrolling the streets of North Myrtle Beach, even to the last 30 minutes of her shift, a suspect in a shooting was arrested and an unlawfully carried pistol was recovered underneath the suspect’s seat,” North Myrtle Beach Police wrote in a statement posted on Facebook.

“Our department and our community is lucky to have Officer Wallace. Great Job!”

WAY TO GO WEDNESDAY 👏 On May 28th, around 5:30 am, Officer Wallace was patrolling US Hwy 17 in North Myrtle Beach when…

Posted by North Myrtle Beach Police on Wednesday, June 7, 2023

According to reports, the passenger has since been identified as Collins Bates, 29. Bates now faces a number of charges including attempted murder and kidnapping.

Officer Wallace has since been rightly praised across social media, with many praising her instincts, quick-thinking, and composure in what can only be described as a high-stakes situation.

“This is awesome! Great job Officer Wallace for your proactive policing!!!” one person commented on Twitter.

Need more officers like Officer Wallace! Bravo!” another wrote.

“Wow this story gave me chills. Thank you to Officer Wallace for her quick thinking, good judgment and great courage,” a third added.

Another wrote: “Great job ma’am! That’s a prime example as why minor traffic violations should never be ignored. Thank you for your service and thank God for protecting you!”

I don’t know about you, but I think Officer Wallace deserves all the praise in the world! Share this article on social media to help us ensure that everyone knows her name and deeds!

READ MORE