Cops Arrest Boyfriend After Woman Slips Note to Staff at Vet's Office Asking for Help
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, an average of nearly 20 people per minute are abused by a partner.
And yet, according to the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence, it is still one of the most under-reported crimes, with only half of all incidents reported to the police and only one in five victims seeking medical attention after being physically injured.
Those victims of domestic violence that find the courage to leave their abusive relationships often risk their lives to escape.
Although she knew the risks, Florida woman Carolyn Reichle knew she needed to try anything to get away from her abusive boyfriend before he became any more violent.
After getting into a fight with her boyfriend, Carolyn was in danger. Her boyfriend had threatened her with a gun before locking her in their home for two days.
On top of that, she’d been physically beaten, with visible bruises and cuts on her body, and had suffered a concussion from attempting to jump out the window of her home to escape from him.
By the end of the week, Carolyn came up with a plan to save herself. She told her boyfriend that something seemed off with their dog and asked if she could take it to the vet.
While he agreed, he insisted he go with them and brought along a loaded pistol.
When they arrived at the DeLand animal hospital, Carolyn slipped away to use the bathroom, leaving her boyfriend with the dog.
As soon as she was out of her boyfriend’s sight, she quickly slipped a note she’d scrawled to a worker behind the counter that said: “Call the cops. My boyfriend is threatening me. He has a gun. Please don’t let him know.”
Quickly understanding how urgent and serious the situation was, the worker followed the instructions on the note.
By the time Carolyn returned from the bathroom, police had arrived at the animal hospital. They quickly discovered the gun, and with his nearly 14 arrests since 2003, the fact that her boyfriend was a felon with a weapon was enough for them to arrest him then and there.
Police who rescued Carolyn that day took to Twitter with an image of her note, commending her incredible courage: “Thank God for the courage of this woman, the quick action of staff at DeLand Animal Hospital and the work of our deputies and DeLand PD!”
He was later charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, aggravated assault with a weapon, false imprisonment and battery.
Thankfully, Carolyn was able to go to the hospital after being rescued. She was treated for a black eye, bruises and a head wound, in addition to a concussion.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence call the toll free 24-hour hotline 1-800-799-SAFE or visit thehotline.org for more information.
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