At about 6:30 p.m.on a Tuesday, the police received a call from a young boy, 12-year-old, Shawn Kent, pleading for help.They stuffed her in a car, they’re getting away!
he stated. Hearing the panic in the young boy's voice, the operator can calm Shawn down. Take a deep breath, and slowly explain what and where the emergency is.
It’s on 68 Pine street near Walmart. A man wearing all black pushed a woman in his white car trunk. Please hurry!
The operator then tells Shawn that the police were on his way and to wait inside Walmart. Cutting the operator off mid-sentence, Shawn then states, I can’t wait anymore! I need to help her!
Shawn then proceeds to pick up rocks and chase the car down. Unable to catch up with the car, he begins to throw the heavy rocks on the trunk of the car. Startled by the shattered glass, the kidnapper, John Wiley, quickly stops the car and begins to check out what caused the window to break. Shawn then runs behind a nearby tree and starts taking pictures of the car’s license plate. With the operator still on the phone pleading with Shawn to stop; Shawn then begins to state the license plate. We are done on an empty road. Where are the police? I can't keep him waiting for so long.
As he finished that sentence 4 police cars arrived at the location. Without a fight, Wiley surrendered and was arrested. The police officers help the lady out of the trunk. Shawn then gets out of his hiding space to greet the police officers. He explains what happened and gives his statement. The woman's, her family, the town, and the officers all give thanks and gratitude to Shawn for doing such a brave and thoughtful act. Shawn was also awarded a badge that states The NeighborHood Hero.
The news station interviewed Shawn and when asked how he had so much bravery, he simply stated, I don’t know. It was just something I had to do.