A Life-Saving Pizza Order
In a small town in Florida, a woman found herself in a dangerous and frightening situation. But thanks to her quick thinking and an unexpected hero, a local Pizza Hut, she was able to escape alive.
Cheryl Treadway’s terrifying ordeal began on May 4, 2015, in Highlands County, Florida. Cheryl and her children were at home with her boyfriend, Ethan Nickerson, when things took a dark turn. Ethan had a knife in his hand and was threatening them both.
Cheryl knew she needed help—and fast. But she was trapped, and Ethan was watching her every move. Her heart was racing. But then, in a flash of brilliance, she remembered something: her phone.
TOP CLICKED: Pizza ordering app saves woman in hostage situation. Story: http://t.co/NBDFdQJfJ7 pic.twitter.com/V1YWepftN9
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) May 6, 2015
A Hidden Message
Cheryl quickly grabbed her phone and opened the Pizza Hut app. She wasn’t thinking about the pizza; she was thinking about getting out. She made a simple order—a small hand-tossed pepperoni pizza—but then, she added a secret message in the “special instructions” box:
“I’m being held hostage. Please send help. My boyfriend has a knife.”
With the order sent, Cheryl hoped the Pizza Hut staff would read the message and take action. She wasn’t sure if they would understand, but it was her only chance.
And just like that, the staff at Pizza Hut acted quickly and carefully. They didn’t panic. Instead, they took the message seriously and immediately called 911.
The Rescue
Within minutes, the police arrived at Cheryl’s home. They entered and arrested Ethan Nickerson without incident. Cheryl and her children were safe. The terrifying ordeal was over.
The officers later explained that Cheryl’s quick thinking and the response from Pizza Hut had saved their lives. Without that secret message, the situation could have ended very differently.
A Growing Problem
Domestic violence affects millions of people every year. In fact, around 4 million women are impacted by domestic violence in the United States annually. Cheryl’s story is one of the lucky ones—a story that ended with safety and a return to normal life. Unfortunately, not everyone is so fortunate.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced physical violence from a current or former partner. These numbers are startling, and many people, like Cheryl, are often trapped in abusive situations, feeling like there’s no way out.
Cheryl’s story also brings to mind a powerful message shared during the Super Bowl that year. In the public service announcement (PSA), a woman pretends to order a pizza while actually speaking to the police. It was a clever way to show how people in abusive situations can sometimes signal for help when they are unable to speak freely.
Real Life and the Importance of Paying Attention
What if the manager at Pizza Hut hadn’t noticed Cheryl’s hidden message? What if they didn’t take it seriously and didn’t call 911? Thankfully, they did. But it’s important to realize that not every cry for help will be so obvious.
In real life, it’s not always easy to spot someone who is trying to reach out for help. Some people may not be able to speak, or they may not even know how to ask for help. This makes it even more important for everyone—from 911 operators to the general public—to understand the signs and be aware when someone is in danger.
One 911 operator shared their own experience on Reddit, describing how they had helped someone who was silently asking for help, just like in the PSA.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides many resources for individuals who are trapped in abusive situations. One of the most useful resources they offer is a safety planning tool. This tool helps survivors plan their escape, understand their options, and even get legal advice.
For people who aren’t in abusive relationships, it may seem easy to just walk away from a dangerous situation. But for survivors, leaving is rarely that simple. There are emotional, financial, and physical barriers that make it incredibly difficult to break free. This is why it’s so important for people to be sensitive to these struggles and respond with understanding and care.
Making a Difference
Cheryl’s story reminds us of the importance of being alert and attentive to those around us. Whether it’s a secret message on a pizza order, a subtle gesture, or a quiet plea for help, sometimes lives depend on how we react.
In this case, the staff at Pizza Hut were heroes. They saved Cheryl’s life. They paid attention when it mattered most, and because of them, Cheryl and her children survived.
There are many unsung heroes out there—like 911 operators, police officers, and ordinary people who are always ready to help, even in the most difficult situations. By staying alert and understanding the signs of distress, we can all make a difference.
What do you think about this story? Have you ever heard of someone reaching out for help in an unusual way? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
