One woman's motherly instincts stopped a peeping pervert in his tracks.
A bad look
Phyllis Pena of Lake Jackson, Texas, was returning home from some early-morning errands when she made a sickening discovery: A man was peering right into her daughter's bedroom window.
She immediately contacted the police as the man fled through the neighborhood.
Police eventually caught up with the suspect, only to have him take off again. Little did he know, he was about to meet his end.
Mom mode activated
Unfortunately for the suspect, he was running right back towards Pena.
"In a moment’s reaction I’m like ‘he’s coming my way, he’s coming this way!"
- Phyllis Pena, to KPR2
The police dashcam captured every moment of the encounter.
In the video, Pena is consoling her daughter when something grabs her attention. She darts down her front lawn towards the sidewalk.
Moments later, a lanky, hooded figure is caught dashing across the screen. Quickly, Pena wraps him up in her open arms and tackles him to the pavement.
Police arrive moments later to make the arrest. 19-year-old Zane Hawkins is taken into custody.
Don't mess with mama bear
Sergeant Roy Welch had high praise for Pena.
‘She did a good job, she was willing to step in, and put herself in harm’s way and held him until officers can take him into custody."
For Pena, it's just instinct.
"My kids are my life, and I’m just making sure I protect them"
- Phyllis Pena
We often read about the primal protectiveness that mothers in the wild have over their young.
Good luck if you take a stroll around the block and find yourself between a mother and her cubs. Just like Pena, they will stop at nothing to keep them safe.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.