In a remarkable turn of events, deputies in Santa Rosa County, Florida, successfully rescued a woman who had been kidnapped after she left a handwritten note pleading for help at a local sandwich shop.
The Backstory
According to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded last month when an employee at a Jersey Mike’s Subs in Navarre discovered a suspicious note left in the bathroom. The note, written by the kidnapped woman, contained a desperate plea for help and an address where she was being held captive.
The woman indicated in the note that she was being kept against her will and feared for her life. The message was discreetly placed near the toilet paper dispenser, and it initially appeared to be just a piece of discarded trash. However, upon closer inspection, the employee realized it was a cry for help.
Employee Eleanor Coffee shared her experience with NBC 15, recalling the moment she found the note: “There was this little piece of crumpled up paper that was shoved next to our toilet paper dispenser, and it looked like a piece of trash. She was like, ‘Please help me. I’m at this address in Navarre. I need you to call the police and do a wellness check.'”
Investigation and Rescue
Authorities quickly responded to the call, utilizing surveillance footage and other resources to trace the location of the woman. Their investigation led them to Jordan Williams, 34, who had a history of domestic violence with the victim.
When deputies arrived at Williams’ home, they discovered the woman, who was severely injured. She told officers she had been assaulted, threatened with weapons, and held in isolation. Investigators observed signs of abuse, including broken bones. She was immediately taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Charges Against the Suspect
Following the rescue, Jordan Williams was arrested and charged with several serious offenses. These included aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, false imprisonment, felony and misdemeanor battery, and battery by strangulation.
A Close Call
This case highlights the bravery of the victim in finding a way to communicate her distress, as well as the quick action of the sandwich shop employee who recognized the severity of the situation. Thanks to the woman’s courage and the employee’s willingness to act, authorities were able to rescue her before further harm could be done.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office has praised the teamwork and dedication of everyone involved in this successful rescue operation, which ended in the safe recovery of the victim from a dangerous and abusive situation.
