Police officer praised for saving kidnapped woman who mouthed ‘help me’ during traffic stop

A police officer has received widespread praise for noticing a kidnapped victim mouth, 'Help me,' and saving them during a traffic stop.

On 28 May, at around 5:30am, Officer Wallace from North Myrtle Police was patrolling in the area of Highway 17 near North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

After spotting a white jeep ignore a red light at an intersection, Officer Wallace pulled over the vehicle.

Little did she know just how important that would turn out to be.

Google Maps

According to North Myrtle Beach Police, a man and woman were inside the vehicle - with the woman driving the car and the man sat in the passenger seat.

Upon walking over to the car, Officer Wallace reportedly noticed that the driver 'appeared distressed' before spotting the woman repeatedly silently mouth 'Help Me' when the man wasn't looking.

Thankfully, Officer Wallace wasted no time in taking action.

North Myrtle Beach Police

The police officer immediately ordered the man out of the car and placed him into her patrol car, before going back to talk to the woman who claimed the man had 'just shot someone'.

Writing on Facebook, North Myrtle Beach Police said: "Moments later, a 'Bolo' (Be On the Look Out) was sent over the radio from dispatch regarding a vehicle that was just involved in a shooting in the county.

"Due to Officer Wallace proactively patrolling the streets of North Myrtle Beach, even to the last 30 minutes of her shift, a suspect in a shooting was arrested and an unlawfully carried pistol was recovered underneath the suspect's seat."

The suspect has since been identified as 29-year-old Collins Bates.

As well as facing charges for unlawfully carrying a pistol, Bates is also accused of attempted murder and kidnapping.

He is currently being held at J. Reuben Long Detention Center under no bond.

In their post, North Myrtle Beach Police took the opportunity to publicly thank Officer Wallace for her role in arresting Bates.

"Our department and our community is lucky to have Officer Wallace. Great Job! #WayToGoWednesday #jobwelldone #keepupthegoodwork." they wrote.

And it's not just the police department who have thanked Officer Wallace.

WMBF-TV

Multiple social media users have also flooded to the post in appreciation too.

One user wrote: "Way to go!!! And to pull someone for running a red light is just about unheard of these days. I’m proud of her for her actions today. She probably saved that lady’s life."

"Thank you Officer Wallace for putting yourself open harms way everyday to protect the citizens of NMB and surrounding area. You are appreciated," a second said.

While a third commented: "Way to go Officer Wallace."

And a final resolved: "Put this Officer up for an award! That’s amazing work! Great job Officer Wallace!"