Imagine being locked away, taken hostage by a dangerous individual, terrified for your life. Now imagine finding the courage to reach out for help in the most unexpected way – by placing an order for food. This may sound like something out of a movie, but for one brave woman, it became her lifeline.

It all happened at the Chipper Truck Café in Yonkers, New York in the early hours of the morning. A woman placed an unusual order – a breakfast sandwich and a burger – but it was her urgent add-on that caught the attention of the restaurant staff. In a note on the order slip, she explained that she was being held captive and desperately needed the police to intervene.

The owner of the restaurant, Alice Bermejo, was initially unsure how to respond to such a distressing plea for help. However, she soon realized the seriousness of the situation and made the courageous decision to call the police as requested. It was the hastily written note, filled with imperfect spelling and grammar, that revealed that this woman’s life was in danger.

Upon receiving the call from Bermejo, the police quickly sprang into action to rescue the victim. The woman later revealed that she had been sexually assaulted and kept prisoner by her captor. He would only give her access to her phone when she needed to order food, making it her only opportunity to seek help.

Thanks to the alertness and compassion of Bermejo and her staff, a potentially tragic situation was prevented. The police were able to apprehend the perpetrator and ensure that justice would be served for the crimes committed against this brave survivor. He now faces multiple charges, including rape, unlawful imprisonment, strangulation, and criminal possession of a weapon.

The resident of Yonkers, New York, came together to celebrate the heroic actions of the Chipper Truck Café staff, acknowledging their instrumental role in saving a woman’s life. Grub Hub, the food delivery service through which the order was placed, also recognized the significance of the incident. In gratitude for their efforts, they donated $5,000 to the café.

This extraordinary story serves as a reminder that acts of kindness and heroism can come from the most unexpected places. As Lisa Belot, the director of public relations at Grub Hub, emphasized, it is heartening to witness how their partners positively impact their communities. From brave restaurant employees to dedicated volunteers, these remarkable individuals make a difference in the lives of others.

In the end, it was the combination of a woman’s strength, the quick thinking of restaurant staff, and the swift action of the police that allowed this hostage situation to have a happy ending. It serves as a testament to the power of compassion, teamwork, and the resilience of the human spirit.