Woman defuses hostage situation by ordering pizza
An woman's smart pizza order helped her escape a hostage situation in Florida, US.
Ms Cheryl Treadway,25, of Highlands County, together with her three children, was allegedly held hostage at knifepoint by her boyfriend, Ethan Nickerson, on May 4 reported WFLA.
The couple had been arguing throughout the day. Nickerson, 26, had been brandishing a large knife.
Treadway attempted to leave to pick up her children from school. Nickerson intevened, grabbing her, taking her phone and going with Treadway to pick up the children.
They arrived back home where the tense stand-off continued. Treadway unable to leave, fearing for the safety of her children.
She eventually managed to convince him to let her use a smartphone to place an order for a pizza using a Pizza Hut app.
Along with her order for a small hand-tossed classic pizza with pepperoni, she included the line "911 hostage help!"
Pizza Hut employees recognised Ms Treadway because she was a frequent customer.
They quickly realised that the order was out of the ordinary and immediately contacted the local police department who promptly responded.
Upon arrival at the scene of the hostage situation, they were greeted by Ms Treadway who was carrying a small child in her arms.
She told officers that Nickerson was in the home armed with a knife and that her other two children were also there with him, reported WPTV.
Nickerson was charged with aggravated assault with a weapon, battery, false imprisonment and obstructing justice by depriving communications to law enforcement.
One of the officers, Lt Curtis Ludden, praised Ms Treadway's quick thinking.
"I don't know if I ever would have thought of it. I mean it's just something that she did so naturally," he said.
Source: WPTV, WFLA
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