When it comes to safety, it’s always a good idea to be mindful of what’s happening around you. Paying close attention to your environment can help you determine if there’s anything suspicious going on and the people nearby.
24-year-old Cody Byrd, a North Carolina A&T graduate, decided to dine at the local Biscuitville restaurant.
He was just enjoying his meal before going to work. However, while he was eating his chicken biscuit, orange juice, and hash browns, he noticed a man acting weird. The stranger was staring at a little girl eating with her mom. What he observed made him feel really uncomfortable.
For him, something wasn’t feeling right.
In an interview with People, he shared:
“I just had a weird feeling about it. And I saw something potentially dangerous.”
He decided to continue observing the man.
That’s when he noticed him follow the little kid to the restroom. And there, the man grabbed her as the poor child walked out.
In the same interview, he shared:
“He lunged at her, trying to grab her. She let out a little yelp and she dodged him and ran off back to her mom. I asked him, ‘What are you doing? Do you know her?'”
Cody stepped up and confronted him.
Quickly, the man let the girl go and made his escape. After making sure that the kid and her mom were fine, Cody managed to take pictures of the suspect and his car. He was even able to get his license plate.
For others, those details may not sound important. However, in cases like this one, it’s important to get as much information as you can. Of course, in doing so, you should also ensure your safety.
With Cody’s information, the police were able to track down the suspect.
Timothy Jon Fry was arrested soon after. He was charged with kidnapping as well as taking indecent liberties with a child. The 55-year-old man was detained in the Guilford County jail and put on a $300,000 secured bail.
Because of his actions, Cody was hailed as a hero.
A ceremony was held where he was given a Good Citizen Award. In addition to that, he was also allowed to eat at the restaurant chain for free for a year. His first meal? He enjoyed it with his mom and they deserved it.
Cody encourages others to do the same thing.
For him, everyone should be responsible when it comes to keeping kids safe. After the ceremony, he said:
“Make sure they’re protected because it’s not just the parents’ job to protect them it’s everyone’s.”
The polices shared the same thoughts. Greensboro Police Department’s Ronald Glenn said:
“It’s important when we talk about trying to improve safety in the community that it’s not just a police issue – it’s a community issue. When a community member is that aware and steps up to get involved, it makes everyone safe.”
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