In June, a dramatic rescue unfolded in the Las Vegas desert when a 17-year-old girl, who had been strangled by her boyfriend and left for dead, was saved by a DMV patrol unit. The girl had been found trying to escape from a fast-moving car on the highway, which set off a series of events leading to her eventual rescue.
A Call That No One Expected
The Nevada DMV Compliance Division officers, known primarily for traffic stops and enforcement of mechanic shop regulations, received a call they did not expect. A report came in that a woman was trying to escape from a fast-moving car on the highway. The witness who made the call noticed the rear door of the vehicle repeatedly opening and saw what appeared to be a female attempting to jump out. The car was reported to be traveling at speeds of 100 miles per hour on U.S. Highway 95.
Chief JD Decker and Investigator Mike Giddens of the DMV patrol immediately responded to the emergency call. Their initial thought was that this would be a routine traffic stop. However, upon further investigation, it became clear that something far more serious was taking place. The officers decided to pursue the vehicle, which was speeding toward the desert near Searchlight, Nevada.
Chase into the Desert
The suspect, identified as the girl’s boyfriend, continued to evade the officers, leading them on a chase deep into the desert. After a brief pursuit, the car was spotted parked alone in the barren landscape with no other people or vehicles nearby. The officers, now fully aware of the potential danger, approached the vehicle with caution. Giddens, with his gun drawn, moved in to secure the suspect, while Chief Decker opened the back door of the vehicle to assess the situation.
What Decker found in the back seat was shocking. The 17-year-old girl was found beaten and bruised, her face displaying a look of sheer hopelessness. She had already endured severe physical trauma and, as the officers later described, appeared to be resigned to her fate, thinking she was going to die. The officers would later learn that the suspect had been strangling her moments before they arrived, and her chance of survival was slim without their intervention.
The Horrifying Details
The girl was discovered alive, but barely conscious. It was revealed that she had been attacked by her boyfriend, who had been in the back seat, strangling her when the officers reached the vehicle. According to the witness who had made the call, the girl had been trying to escape from the car as it hurtled down the highway at dangerous speeds.
The suspect was quickly subdued by the officers, who demanded that he put his hands behind his back and was handcuffed. Giddens later recounted that they didn’t know whether there was another threat in the vehicle, and they approached the scene cautiously, unsure of what they would find. But it became clear that the girl had been the primary victim and that she had suffered extensive injuries from both physical abuse and strangulation.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the brutal ordeal, the girl showed a spark of hope when she realized that it wasn’t her boyfriend coming back to finish the job but rather the police who had come to save her. Her demeanor changed from despair to relief when she saw the officers. The officers noted the look of fear and desperation on her face when they first arrived, but that look changed when she saw that help had finally arrived.
This life-saving intervention was made possible due to the quick thinking of the retired police officer who witnessed the escape attempt and reported it. His decision to call it in set in motion the series of events that led to the girl’s rescue.
The Aftermath and Charges
The suspect was arrested on multiple charges, including kidnapping of a minor and battery by strangulation. According to the officers, the case had initially seemed straightforward but escalated into a matter of life or death as more details emerged. The officers pursued the suspect into the desert, knowing that the girl’s life was in immediate danger.
Though the incident occurred in June, the girl later declined to testify, and the case was closed soon afterward. Chief Decker stated that both the victim and the suspect were in the country illegally, and the girl was later handed over to a relative after her ordeal.
Officers Awarded Medals of Valor
For their bravery and quick actions in saving the girl’s life, Chief Decker and Investigator Giddens were honored with the Medal of Valor. During the award ceremony, Giddens recounted the intensity of the situation, acknowledging that receiving such an award was a shock, as their primary focus had been on reaching the scene as quickly and safely as possible.
Reflecting on the events, both officers expressed their commitment to always being prepared for any situation, a reminder that their jobs, though typically routine, can sometimes involve life-threatening scenarios. Their actions undoubtedly saved the life of a young girl who was on the verge of death, reinforcing the importance of vigilance and readiness in law enforcement.
