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Man Tries to Scam News Anchor Into Paying $2,500 Over the Phone - She Has the Ultimate Response
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Man Tries to Scam News Anchor Into Paying $2,500 Over the Phone - She Has the Ultimate Response

It's no secret that scammers have reached an all-time high (and low).From emails sent by Nigerian princes promising fortunes to Facebook messages from Lady Gaga needing $145 to finish her latest song (ra-ra-ra-ra-ra) to phone calls claiming "You've just won a cruise!" scammers will try just about anything to extort your hard-earned cash. However, in a hilariously epic turn of events, one woman "flipped the script" and brilliantly beat a scammer at his own game. And the TikTok video? Is PRICELESS. (Also, I am definitely using this the next time I get a scammy call.)How One Woman Scammed a ScammerFox 5's news anchor, Jeanette Reyes, pulled an impressive role reversal when she received a phone call from a scammer claiming that she owed thousands of dollars and failure to pay would result in her arrest. "Hello Jeanette, my name is Jason O'Neill. I'm calling in regards to an outstanding warrant that we have for your arrest due to an outstanding balance of your account of 2792 dollars and 33 cents," he tells her in the now viral TikTok clip.Rather than just hang up, Reyes decides to play along. She tells "Jason" that she didn't know about the balance owed and asks if she can just pay for it via credit card over the phone.Believing that he has her just where he wants her (and likely saying a quick word of thanks to the scam gods), Jason happily agrees. He even graciously tells her she only needs to pay $2500 instead of the full amount. And this is where it gets good. SO SO good.Donning her best "anchor voice" Reyes launches into what may just be the greatest takedown of a fraudster ever. Under the guise of giving him her credit card number, she starts counting down."It's 3..2..1…good evening, we are live on television right now with an investigation into scam callers. We have the FBI on the line. They are tracking this phone number as we speak. Sir, what is your full name again?" Jeanette ReyesHis response? He couldn't hang up the phone fast enough. The TikTok Video Goes Viral The video quickly gained traction on TikTok, because who among us can't relate to getting these types of calls? It has amassed millions of views and garnered praise from viewers worldwide with netizens hailing Reyes as a hero."This is not a talent this is a superpower!"More than 46,000 commenters weighed in to applaud her quick-thinking and witty comeback. "lmaooo 😅🤣😂 this was amazing 😅🤣 the man's spirit probably left his body 😂😂," wrote one person.Another said, "Wait this is the BEST response I have ever seen to a scam caller 🤣." A number of people expressed wanting a copy of her voice so they could use it the next time they received a similar call."Please just do the news voice so i can use it on them spam callers please," wrote one."You need to put that on a recording for all of us🤣🤣" commented another. While the video IS entertaining, it also sheds valuable light on predators and the lengths they will go to. How to Avoid Being ScammedUnfortunately, not everyone can sniff out a scammer as easily as Reyes did. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers bilk unsuspecting targets out of BILLIONS of dollars per year. And they do it by any means necessary — including via phone, text, email, false advertisements, and social media — often using threats and intimidation to make you act without thinking.But there are ways to protect yourself. Some common signs of a scam include people claiming to be from an organization or business you know, offers too good to be true, requests for personal information or remote access to your devices, threats or pressure to react quickly, and poor grammar and spelling. As scammers become increasingly more creative and persistent, it's crucial to remain vigilant and informed. Reyes' response was hilarious, yes, but it also serves as a reminder of the power of awareness and quick thinking in protecting ourselves from falling prey to fraudsters. More from Goalcast:Elderly Man’s “Grandson” Calls Him Asking For $2,300 – A Walmart Cashier Immediately Stops Him From Getting ScammedVeteran Loses Thousands of Dollars to Scammers – Then a Stranger Finishes the $17,000 Job for FreeGrandma Is Targeted by Scammers but the Trick Is on Them – Thanks to Her Secret Past

Police Officer Pulls Over Speeding Mom and Her 10-Year-Old Son - Immediately Realizes Something Wasnt Right
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Police Officer Pulls Over Speeding Mom and Her 10-Year-Old Son - Immediately Realizes Something Wasnt Right

No one ever wants to be pulled over by the police. Stopping at the side of the road for speeding, running a red light, or some other infraction can be scary, not to mention costly if the officer decides to give you a ticket.For one mother in Rockwood, Michigan, however, getting pulled over by the police one day was absolutely terrifying for a whole other reason.A Dire SituationWhen Officer Nicholas Mitchell pulled over Rhonda McArthur for running a red light on a Monday morning, McArthur was petrified. Not because she would get a ticket or have to pay a hefty fine, but because her 10-year-old son, Nick, was in the backseat and he was in trouble.That morning, Nick had a serious asthma attack while he was getting ready for school. Unable to help her son, McArthur put him in the car and sped towards the hospital. When Mitchell pulled her over, Nick was almost out of breath.“He's telling me that he can't breathe. I'm like, 'Oh my god,' and so then I start panicking,” she recalled to Click on Detroit.“It felt like someone was holding my throat and choking me,” Nick explained to the publication. “I thought this was going to take forever.”Recognizing a Bad SituationOfficer Mitchell immediately realized something was wrong. “I could hear somebody in the car with very labored breathing; couldn't breathe at all,” he explained. So instead of asking McArthur for her registration and ID, he called for an ambulance. When one wasn’t available, he knew he had to save the child.With help from firefighters, who gave Nick an oxygen mask, Mitchell put the boy in the backseat of his cruiser.“Officer Mitchell just said, 'Let's go, get in the car,' and he drove us all the way to the hospital, lights, and sirens, as fast as he could,” McArthur recalled.They arrived at the hospital just in time, doctors later said, and Nick was saved. Now, Mitchell is being hailed as a hero.“It makes me feel good, and that's why I do this job, to help people,” he said.Putting People FirstMitchell may not see himself as a hero, but he absolutely became the McArthur family’s hero the day he pulled them over. Not because he was doing his job but because he was able to look at the situation and realize it wasn’t black and white.Yes, this mom broke the law by running that red light. But it was also a matter of life and death. By recognizing the situation and reacting quickly, Mitchell proved that sometimes, you have to have flexibility and forgo the rules in order to put people first.While we hope to never be in this kind of situation with a child’s life at stake, there are smaller ways to put that into practice with others. Not docking someone’s pay for being late, for example. Or perhaps it’s not giving them grief when they have to reschedule your appointment.The thing is, we don’t always know what someone else is going through, and they could have really great reasons for not showing up on time or having to reschedule with you. Unless you ask questions and show empathy and compassion, you’ll never know.We all deserve a little leeway in life, so why not start by giving it to others?More from Goalcast:Police Officer Pulls Struggling Father Over – Has The Best Response When He Hears His Touching StoryDistraught 79-Year-Old Is Pulled Over for Speeding – He Did Not Expect the Treatment He Received From the CopPolice Officer Passes by Struggling Homeless Woman on the Street – The Message on Her Shirt Makes Him Pull Over

Little Boys Notice Their Neighbors House Is on Fire - Rush to Rescue Toddlers Stuck Inside Despite Being Really Scared
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Little Boys Notice Their Neighbors House Is on Fire - Rush to Rescue Toddlers Stuck Inside Despite Being Really Scared

Two young heroes stepped up in a big way in Oakland, Florida when a fire roared nearby. 10-year-old Isiah Francis and 11-year-old Jeremiah Grimes were minding their business when they saw smoke rising up in their neighborhood. What Two Young Boys Did When They Saw a House on FireUnsplash/ Chris KaridisThey quickly noticed that their neighbor's home was on fire, and rushed inside without a second thought. Navigating through heavy smoke and impending panic, the two heroes safely retrieved a 1-year-old and an 8-month-old from the burning house. It is not as if the two were unafraid of the situation, but they had the remarkable courage to overcome their fear -- the true mark of bravery. "I was really scared because I thought I was going to get burned," Isiah even told a local news outlet in Orlando. "I was nervous because there was so much smoke it was hard for me to see," he added. Despite feeling scared, unable to see, and risking his own wellbeing, Isiah and his friend charged into that burning house to save two toddlers. Forget their age, many in that frightening position might have frozen, or called the appropriate authorities. The quick-thinking to charge directly into the home, however, very well could have made the difference between life and death for the two young children they retrieved. How Two Boys Proved That There Is No Age Limit to Being a HeroTheir selfless act of bravery reverberated throughout the community, becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration. News of their heroism spread, captivating the hearts of people across the country. These two are certainly destined to grow into brave young men. Isiah even said he has dreams of becoming a firefighter some day, and he certainly has more experience than most 11 year olds.The cause of the blaze has not been determined, but it is believed to have started on the stove. It is unclear why the father was unable to get all four of his children out of the home, or why the fire began. However, it is certain that Isiah and Jeremiah saved the day. While, hopefully we don't have to run into a burning home any time soon, we can all draw inspiration from the bravery displayed by these two boys. True heroism doesn't lie in accolades or recognition, but in the sum of decisions like these that come to define us.Isiah and Jeremiah's selfless act will forever serve as a reminder that each of us has the capacity to be a hero in our own unique way.Heroism also isn't reserved for a certain age group, and these two showed why everyone possesses the ability to become a hero in the right circumstance. More from Goalcast:Woman Leaves Her Newborn Baby Girl in a Drop Box – The Firefighter Who Found Her Just Became Her DadHomeless Man Heroically Saves an Entire Family and Their Pets From a Blazing Residential FireMom and Her 2 Kids Are Trapped in an Apartment Fire – One Local Homeless Man Tells Them All to Drop Out of the Window

87-Year-Old Woman Fights Home Intruder - Then, She Feeds Him 'Peanut Butter and Crackers' Because He Was Hungry
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87-Year-Old Woman Fights Home Intruder - Then, She Feeds Him 'Peanut Butter and Crackers' Because He Was Hungry

In the serene town of Brunswick, Maine, the tranquility of early morning was abruptly shattered for 87-year-old Marjorie Perkins when she awoke to a chilling sight -- a male intruder standing ominously over her bed. Instead of succumbing to fear, Marjorie's courage ignited a chain of events that would leave her community in awe.What One Elderly Woman Did When an Intruder Came Into Her HousePhoto by Kindel MediaIn the dark of night, around 2 A.M., Marjorie found herself face-to-face with an unwelcome guest. But rather than cower in terror, she acted swiftly, slipping on her shoes -- a simple yet crucial step towards defending herself. The intruder soon realized he had picked the wrong house to invade.With quick thinking and fierce determination, Marjorie grabbed a nearby chair, using it as her weapon to fend off the assailant. Despite being pushed against the wall, she fearlessly struck back, refusing to become a victim. Her resolute response deterred the intruder from causing further harm.In a surprising twist, the intruder confessed that hunger had driven him to this ill-fated decision. Displaying remarkable composure, Marjorie offered him crackers and peanut butter while secretly alerting the authorities. Amidst the tension, she ensured help was on its way.It was later revealed that the intruder was a local teenager who lived nearby. His break-in sent shockwaves of disbelief and fear through the typically peaceful neighborhood. Yet, amidst the turmoil, Marjorie's bravery emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience.How One Woman Proved There’s No Age Limit to Being a HeroAs the news spread, Marjorie's neighbors were both rattled and inspired. The idea of a home invasion in their tranquil community was unsettling, but Marjorie's unwavering spirit offered solace. In the face of adversity, she chose not to be passive, urging others to stay prepared to defend themselves.The incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of home security and preparedness. Marjorie's quick thinking and courage saved her from further harm, proving that bravery knows no age limit. The young intruder is now facing charges and is detained at the Long Creek Youth Development Center.As we reflect on Marjorie's incredible act of bravery, let her story inspire us all to face life's challenges with strength and determination. In moments of adversity, may we find the courage to stand up and protect ourselves and those we care for. Marjorie's actions echo a resounding message -- that even in the face of fear, we can find the strength to overcome and emerge victorious.So, the next time we find ourselves facing a daunting situation, let Marjorie's bravery be a guiding light. We, too, can pick up our metaphorical chairs and defend what we hold dear. Together, as a community, we can learn from her indomitable spirit and create a world where fear is no match for our courage.More from Goalcast:Airline Refuses to Let Man Board Flight With His Newborn – Then an Elderly Woman Takes Them Both AwayMan Records Elderly Woman Accusing Him of Stealing Her Best Friend’s Car – His Response Goes ViralElderly Woman Loses Husband and Her House in the Same Day – Her Neighbor’s Response Surprises Her

Thief Tries to Steal Womans Purse in Broad Daylight - But He Didnt Expect Her 9-Year-Old Daughter to Step in and Fight Him
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Thief Tries to Steal Womans Purse in Broad Daylight - But He Didnt Expect Her 9-Year-Old Daughter to Step in and Fight Him

In a Florida town, a brave 9-year-old girl has become a true hero, leaving us all in awe of her fearless and protective spirit. Journee Nelson's act of courage unfolded outside a supermarket, where she fearlessly fought off a robber and chased him away.How a 9-Year-Old Reacted to a Thief Who Tried to Steal Her Mother’s PursePhoto by Kindel MediaIt was just an ordinary day for Journee and her mom, Danielle Mobley, as they finished their grocery shopping at Sabor Tropical Supermarket. As they headed to their car, an unexpected danger lurked nearby. Surveillance footage captured the heart-pounding moment — a man in a gray hoodie, later identified as Demetrius Jackson, 29, lunged towards Danielle, attempting to steal her purse.In the blink of an eye, Journee sprang into action. Without a second thought, she jumped out of the car and confronted the robber head-on. The courageous young girl landed punch after punch, taking the assailant by surprise. Bystanders rushed to their aid, helping them fend off the attacker.Although the thief managed to escape with Danielle's purse, Journee's quick thinking and bravery didn't go in vain. Thanks to her heroic efforts and the assistance of the police, Demetrius was apprehended just two days later and charged with robbery and battery.Journee's valiant actions did not go unnoticed. The West Palm Beach Police Foundation recognized her courage with a well-deserved medal, certificate, and Target gift card. A touching ceremony celebrated her bravery, and she was commended for her unwavering determination to protect her mom.How One Little Girl Proved That Not All Heroes Wear CapesWhile Journee's actions have inspired admiration and praise, the incident left emotional scars on both her and her mother. Despite the challenging experience, they find solace in knowing that justice has been served."I'm very proud of her. That was her initial reaction," Danielle shared, expressing the pride she felt in her daughter's bravery.Looking ahead, Journee stands at a crossroads, torn between dreams of becoming a police officer or a teacher. Whichever path she chooses, her innate protective nature and boldness will undoubtedly shine through, leaving a positive impact on those around her.Journee's story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and courage that resides within us all, no matter our age. In moments of adversity, it's our response that defines us — the choice to stand up against injustice and protect those we love. As we cheer for this young hero, let us also reflect on the courage we can summon in our own lives, finding inspiration in Journee's unwavering spirit.In a world that can sometimes be unpredictable and challenging, may we all be moved by Journee's example, ready to face whatever comes our way with bravery and love. And just like this fearless 9-year-old, may we discover that within our hearts lies the potential to be heroes in our own unique ways.More from Goalcast:Bike-Riding Domino’s Delivery Guy Helps Cops Catch Thief — Still Manages to Deliver Pizza On TimeMom of Four Has Her Wallet Stolen by a Thief at the Grocery Store—She Confronts the Thief by Herself and Shocks Him With Her Bold Words

Delivery Man Sees a High-Speed Chase and Runs to Stop It - All Without Dropping His Pizza
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Delivery Man Sees a High-Speed Chase and Runs to Stop It - All Without Dropping His Pizza

Food delivery drivers deserve a lot more credit. Sometimes they drive out an hour while dodging the rain, hail, and other inconvenient forms of weather to deliver hot and fresh meals.But dropping off the food isn't the only heroic thing a courier can do, as evidenced by a Pennsylvania pizza delivery driver who stopped a high-speed chase from persisting.The Day a Delivery Shift Driver Stopped a CriminalPhoto by Norma MortensonTyler Morrell, the delivery driver in question who was delivering with Cocco's Pizza in Aston, used his eagle-eyed vision and sharp senses to help police put a stop to a high-speed chase.In a now-viral video, Morrell can be seen on the front porch of a customer's home, ready to deliver food.But as the customer began to open the door, he noticed a car going really fast. "A car just came up doing like 75; he beached on the side of this person's lawn and almost took out a couple of cars," Morrell told ABC11.It's safe to say this would be the moment he found himself in the middle of a police investigation.The Time the Incident Took PlaceThe Brookhaven police in Philadelphia were in the midst of chasing after a stolen Kia a little before 4 p.m.The stolen car eventually crashed, and the suspect hopped out to vacate the scene as fast as possible.And this is exactly when Morrell put his foot down, quite literally, helping the police during the process.He revealed that he started walking towards the road where he saw the chase unfold but couldn't do much with his hands because he had a pizza in his hands."So I just stuck my leg out," Morrell said.That's right.The brave man managed to stick his leg out and successfully trip the criminal, causing him to fall to the ground. This made it easier for the police to arrest him.Police praised Morrell's swift instincts. They said that because of Morrell's quick thinking they were able to make the arrest."He gave us the help we needed; by tripping him, it gave us the time to catch up with the gentleman," said Michael Vice, the Brookhaven Police Chief, in conversation with ABC11.Morrell further told the outlet that he was tired of the amount of crime happening and the area and was more than willing to assist the cops in any way.The Second Suspect in the High-Speed ChaseElsewhere, the incident caused the police to locate a second suspect in the stolen car debacle. They had been sitting in the stolen vehicle while the action went down.The identities are not mentioned, but police said the suspect in the passenger seat was 19 years old.The criminal Morrell tripped was a juvenile.After the commotion had settled, the pizza was delivered safely to the customer. And now, Morrell is being recognized as the champion he was in the situation, fighting crime AND providing delicious pizza.The two suspects have been confronted with numerous charges, such as resisting arrest and fleeing and eluding, to name a couple.More from Goalcast:25-Year-Old Pizza Delivery Driver Spots a Burning Home – Immediately Runs to Save the 5 Children Stuck InsideDeaf Domino’s Employee Delivers Pizzas on Foot After His Car Breaks Down – In Return, He Gets a “Tip” of $12,000

School Custodian Notices 8-Year-Old Boy Choking on a Bagel - Immediately Jumps in to Save His Life During Lunch
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School Custodian Notices 8-Year-Old Boy Choking on a Bagel - Immediately Jumps in to Save His Life During Lunch

Heroes are often found in the most unexpected places, and their selfless actions can change lives forever. At Mead Elementary School in Colorado, an ordinary day took a terrifying turn when 8-year-old Luc Dowen found himself choking on a bagel during lunch. In this critical moment, it was the school custodian, Jeff Fleiger, who stepped forward as an unsung hero. Through his quick thinking, training, and composure, Fleiger's intervention saved Luc's life, reminding us that heroes are often those we least expect.How One Little Boy’s Day Turned Into a Alarming SituationPhoto by Anastasia ShuraevaIn an instant, Luc Dowen's ordinary day transformed into a life-or-death situation when he began choking on a bagel. Panicked, Luc desperately sought help, tapping on the nearest adult's shoulder. That adult happened to be Jeff Fleiger, the school custodian. "All I could hear in my minds is ... 'Get an adult, get an adult,'" Luc told a local publication. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Fleiger knew he had to act swiftly.Fleiger sprang into action, performing the Heimlich maneuver on Luc. Though he had been trained in the procedure over a decade earlier, his training came in handy. Finally, after a few attempts, success — Luc's airway cleared, allowing him to breathe freely again. Fleiger then promptly escorted Luc to the school nurse, who ensured he received further care and support.The gravity of the situation didn't fully sink in for Luc until the following day when he approached Fleiger with heartfelt gratitude, offering him a hug. In that tender moment, Luc conveyed the depth of his appreciation, understanding that Fleiger's swift response and life-saving actions had potentially saved him from a tragic fate. Fleiger, ever humble, was profoundly moved by this gesture, recognizing the impact his intervention had on Luc's life.Fleiger's heroic actions were not only a result of his training but also his ability to remain composed in a moment of crisis. Although he had learned the Heimlich maneuver years ago, he had never encountered a situation where it was necessary— until that fateful day. How One School Custodian’s Quick-Thinking Saved a LifeFleiger's quick-thinking and calm demeanor allowed him to put his training into action, ultimately saving Luc's life. His selflessness and preparedness serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the importance of being ready to act in the face of emergencies, and having the bravery to do so.While this extraordinary incident at Mead Elementary School emphasizes the significance of first aid training, it also inspires the bravery to act on it. Luc's life was forever altered by Fleiger's heroic intervention, reminding us that heroes can be found in the most unassuming places, and are often made in dire circumstances.In the halls of Mead Elementary School, an unassuming custodian named Jeff Fleiger proved that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Through his preparedness, composure, and selfless actions, he saved the life of a choking student, reminding us all of the extraordinary impact we can all have. Though he had the right preparation, without his bravery to act quickly, things could have turned out quite differently. This hero's actions can inspire all of us to rise up in moments when we are needed.More from Goalcast:School Janitor Takes Boy With Autism Under His Wing – So His Mom Raises $35,000 in ResponseImmigrant Janitor Graduates From Nursing School – And Works at the Same Hospital He Used to CleanAfter a Stint in the School Cafeteria, This Ex-Janitor Now Owns and Operates His Own Restaurant

Bus Driver Yanks Boys Backpack as He Is Getting off the Bus - Now Shes Hailed as a Hero
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Bus Driver Yanks Boys Backpack as He Is Getting off the Bus - Now Shes Hailed as a Hero

As parents, it can be hard to let others take care of your children. After all, no one ever really quite loves your kids and watches out for them the exact way you would. Still, we send them to school and trust that those who are tasked with watching them follow the safety rules and regulations in place — from the teachers to the administrative staff to the bus drivers.That’s why parents across America were shocked when they heard about this woman, who yanked a kid onto her bus one afternoon.A Quick-Thinking DriverApril Wise was going about her regular school bus driving routine in Tecumseh, Ohio, one day in February. A video, which was later posted to the district’s social media page, shows Wise slowing down for a stop. She opens the door and checks the mirrors. That’s when she notices something is wrong.There is a car approaching and it isn’t slowing down. A Grade 7 student is about to step off, so Wise grabs the boy’s backpack and pulls him back hard. Suddenly in the frame, you can see an SUV barreling by, right where the boy would have been."The only thing that went through my brain was to keep him from getting off the bus," Wise, who is a first-year bus driver, told WHIO-TV.“If he would have just got off the bus a little quicker or something, everything might have been different,” Karen Lokai, Tecumseh Schools' transportation supervisor, told an NBC news outlet. “It gives you chills to hear it and see the video and see how close, you know, things happen in such a split second.”Saving a Boy’s LifeOnce the way was clear and the boy exited the vehicle, Wise reported the incident to her bosses. They reviewed the video and couldn’t believe just how close the situation was. At home, the boy told his mother how the driver had saved his life.“The mom reached out to us personally to thank us and thank our team for responding to the accident [and] to thank the bus driver,” Superintendent Paula Crew told the publication. “She’s beyond [thankful that] her son got off the bus and came in the house when he did.”She added that cars often pass the school buses, ignoring the clear “stop” sign that applies to vehicles coming from both directions. Failing to stop could not only result in a $500 fine in that area, but worse: a child could get hurt.Clark County Sheriff’s Office Deputy John Loney says the boy was really lucky after this particular failure to stop. “It’s a miracle that he’s safe,” he said.A Local HeroFollowing the incident, Wise was hailed as a hero. People from the school, law enforcement, and parents gathered to say thank you in a special ceremony in which she was given an award.“This goes far beyond what I imagined to happen, so I am very emotional,” Wise told WCSC. “I don’t deserve it, but I’m glad it’s bringing awareness and stuff. Hopefully, more people will take it into consideration,” she added.“For what she did that day, we definitely appreciate it,” the boy’s father added to the publication.Drive ResponsiblyThis story so clearly demonstrates why it is important to follow traffic laws, and it also reminds us all to slow down behind the wheel — particularly in school zones and on neighborhood streets.Accidents take seconds to happen but can change a life forever. If it weren’t for Wise’s quick thinking, that boy could have been seriously injured or worse.When we’re running late or really excited to get home after a long day at work, it can be tempting to speed up, spend a few seconds less at a stop sign, or ignore a school bus’s signal. But it’s important to take a breath and slow down. Being a few minutes late won’t cost you much, if anything. And there are much worse things that can happen in life.More from Goalcast:Heroic Carnival-Goer Saves Lives After Magic Carpet Ride Spins Out Of Control

Man Lures 5-Year-Old With Ice-Cream and Kidnaps Her - But 2 Teens on Bikes Take Matters Into Their Own Hands
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Man Lures 5-Year-Old With Ice-Cream and Kidnaps Her - But 2 Teens on Bikes Take Matters Into Their Own Hands

A strong community can do far more than a single person can. Sometimes, you need someone to watch your back. In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, two teenage boys went above and beyond to protect their community.How Two Teens Used Their Quick-Thinking to Save a Little GirlPhoto by Erik Mclean5-year-old Jocelyn Rojas was playing in her front yard one early afternoon, as she always does. When her guardians went inside, things took a turn for the worst. She was lured into the car of a stranger. Jocelyn couldn’t be found. Her family called the police and issued a search. Jocelyn’s neighbours searched alongside the police for two hours. Just as an Amber Alert was about to be filed, 15-year-old Temar Boggs and his friend Chris came back to save the day. They returned Jocelyn safely to her family -- on their bikes!When the search started, the two teens jumped on their bikes and began to scour the neighbourhood. After a while, they spotted something out of place. “I saw this suspicious car and I looked into the passenger seat, it was a little girl.” They slowly followed the car to try and confirm the identity of the child. When they could see it was Jocelyn, the boys went into a full sprint chasing the car.The driver wasn’t easy to catch, especially on a bike. “Every time we’d go down the street, he’d turn back around, and then … we’ll follow him,” Temar said. They chased the kidnapper for 15 minutes. The driver seemed to realize he was being followed and decided to give the girl up. “He stopped at the end of the hill and let her out,” Temar said, “She stood there for a little and then she ran to me and said that she needed her mommy.” The boys comforted Jocelyn and ensured she was safe. Minutes later, they returned the girl back to her family.How Community Played a Role in Bringing a Little Girl Home When they returned, the whole community took turns giving the two teens flowers and praise. “At first she didn’t want to leave my arms,” Temar said, “She was scared until I told her, ‘They’re going to take you to your mom.’” Temar and Chris showed an unbelievable amount of courage that afternoon by putting themselves in harm’s way to protect their community. Luckily, no one was hurt and Jocelyn was back with her caregivers. “He’s our hero. There is just no words to say,” Jocelyn’s grandmother Tracey Clay said. Jocelyn’s mother also showed her gratitude to the boys that saved her daughter. “It’s amazing that teenagers took it upon themselves and put their lives in danger to make sure my child was okay,” She said.The Lancaster community came together to save Jocelyn. All of her relatives and neighbours played a role in bringing the child home safely and didn’t rest until it was done. Without a strong community, a triumph like this could never happen.

8-Year-Old Gets Lost in the Woods for 50 Hours - Uses His Wits and Helps His Friend Find Him
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8-Year-Old Gets Lost in the Woods for 50 Hours - Uses His Wits and Helps His Friend Find Him

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan’s largest state park, is a remote, hilly area dotted with lakes — a favorite spot for hikers, fishermen and campers. Eight-year-old Nante Niemi was there with his family, who was happily participating in all three pastimes. When the group decided to split up, half of them going for firewood and the other half going to fish, Nante decided to go with the group in the woods. After a while, he asked if he could go back to the campsite.It was early afternoon when Nante started walking back to the campsite by himself. That was the last time anyone would see him for nearly 50 hours. How One Little Boy Went Missing in the WoodsPhoto by Felix MittermeierWhen the two groups reunited at the campsite early that evening, they noticed that Nante was missing and immediately started combing the woods themselves. When they couldn’t find him, they called the police.Meanwhile, the eight-year-old boy had wandered over two miles from his campsite and was completely lost in the unfamiliar terrain. But he kept his wits about him and started to devise a plan of action. Nante started by following blue hiking marks on trees but ended up circling the same area over and over. When it started to rain, he took cover under a log.Still, that evening, no help had reached the missing boy. The temperatures plummeted but fortunately stayed above freezing. Nante spotted search helicopters circling overhead, but there was little he could do to attract their attention. An 8-Year-Old’s RealizationPhoto by Brandie RobbinsThat’s when the boy realized that he would have to do something to aid the search and rescue efforts. He stomped his feet in a patch of mud and ran around leaving muddy footprints. In the hilly forest, there were lots of puddles of standing water, but Nante knew he shouldn’t drink it. In order to stay hydrated, he ate snow.Meanwhile, more than 150 search and rescue personnel were combing the area. They covered a 40-square-mile area on foot, in addition to crews searching by air and in the water. The family would later find out that Nante was difficult to find because he kept moving in circles. But it was those muddy footprints that he thought to leave that would eventually lead to his rescue.The Clue That Led to Missing 8-Year-Old’s RescueA volunteer team joined the Michigan State Police to help with the search efforts, and Eli Talisman, a friend of Nante’s, was called in to join them. It was hoped that Nante would call out to a friendly voice or respond to a friendly face. The 18-year-old immediately packed a bag and joined the volunteer team on the ground. They searched for the missing boy in the thick woods, calling out to him and listening for a response. Then they saw the muddy footprints.Colin Gauthier, part of the volunteer group that found Nante, explained, “We had four or five guys there that were looking at these footsteps, and then we heard a sound of some sort. It sounded like a scream, just like a scream, but one of the guys said, ‘Ah, it’s a bird’…we were following these steps in the mud and then, as we were doing that, I heard it again, but this time it was completely clear.”How One Little Boy Used His Wits to Aid in His RescueAs soon as Eli heard it, he jumped into action. “I grabbed my bag that was on the ground and I started sprinting, and I get over this little, tiny hill, and all I see is this little, tiny, white sweatshirt.” Eli looked down to find Nante with a weak smile on his face. He grabbed his young friend up in a bear hug, immensely relieved to have finally found the boy after long hours of searching. Eli laughs as he tells the story of that moment; Nante looked at his friend and asked, "Were you looking for me?"The volunteers got the exhausted child into a carrier pack, and Eli carried him out of the woods. After being checked by medical authorities, Nante was released to his family, safe and sound. Nante’s school district shared the news of the boy’s rescue on its Facebook page.When hearing Nante’s story, it’s easy to forget that this missing boy was only eight years old. He’s in second grade. And yet, miles from his family’s campsite, alone in the woods overnight, he showed remarkable bravery and resourcefulness. Nante kept a cool head throughout the ordeal, making smart decisions when it came to not drinking standing water, sheltering from the rain, and especially, leaving marks for rescuers to find. The experience is something that will likely have a large impact on him, and he can be proud of the part he played in his own rescue.