Brave Rescue: How Text-911 Helped Save a Woman Kidnapped in Bertie County, NC

On the evening of May 26th, a brave woman in Bertie County, NC was kidnapped at knifepoint but managed to be rescued thanks to her quick actions and the use of TEXT-911 technology. The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a concerned third party who reported that a woman had been forced from her home by a man with a knife in the Pine Street area of Lewiston.

As deputies responded to the scene, the victim began sending text messages to 911 confirming that she was being held against her will by the man. Thanks to this technology, law enforcement was able to receive essential information quickly and respond promptly. When deputies arrived, they found the suspect had locked himself and the victim in a bedroom of the home, holding her at knifepoint.

After breaching the door, they arrested Tomya Lee Shields, 46, of Lewiston. Shields was charged with second-degree kidnapping, communicating threats, assault on a female, and false imprisonment. Fortunately, the woman was not harmed during the incident.

The quick thinking and bravery of the victim, along with the timely response of law enforcement, led to a successful rescue and apprehension of the suspect. This incident serves as an important reminder for everyone to report emergencies promptly and utilize available resources for assistance.