A young child in Iowa has received commendation for their quick thinking after a handwritten note played a crucial role in saving their mother from a dangerous situation.
As reported by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, the first-grade student from Sumner-Fredericksburg School boarded their school bus on the morning of Wednesday, September 24, with a message from their mother in hand.
At 7:24 AM, the child presented the note to the bus driver. It simply read: “Call 911.”
The driver promptly notified the authorities, who hurried to the family’s residence in rural Westgate, Iowa. Upon arrival, deputies found that the child’s mother had been held captive by 29-year-old Glenroy Stefand Miller, according to News 13.
Miller was arrested and is now facing several charges, including domestic abuse assault, kidnapping, and obstructing emergency communication after allegedly seizing the victim’s phone.
Investigators later disclosed that the victim had endured assaults throughout the night, resulting in two broken ribs and a punctured lung. The Sheriff’s Office reported that Miller also made threats to kill her, at one point brandishing a knife against her throat and wrists.
In a statement shared on Facebook, the Sheriff’s Office mentioned: “At one point, Miller attempted to take her to the hospital but then changed his mind and forced her back home upon realizing he would be arrested if he did. Throughout the night, Miller continued to assault the victim, inflicting serious injuries and threatening to kill her.”
Court documents indicate that Miller is currently being held on a $1,500 bond, as reported by CBS 2. Additionally, he is in custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement since he hails from the Bahamas.
As the investigation proceeds, both officials and community members have praised the child’s courage. By bringing her mother’s note onto the school bus, the student provided deputies with the opportunity to step in – a choice that authorities believe may have saved her life.
