Police Officer Rescues Woman Mouthing Help Me During A Traffic Stop

When a routine traffic stop turns into a major breakthrough, it reminds us that sometimes even a minor infraction can uncover a much bigger crime. This was the case recently shared by the North Myrtle Beach Police Department on Facebook.

Officer Kayla Wallace noticed a white Jeep run a red light just 30 minutes before her shift ended. Despite the ticking clock, she pulled the Jeep over without hesitation. Approaching the vehicle, she observed a female driver and a male passenger. The driver briefly opened her door before Officer Wallace instructed her to close it, while the passenger mentioned that the Jeep’s windows wouldn’t roll down. Moments later, the driver admitted she felt so unwell she might throw up.

Then something unusual happened—when the passenger wasn’t paying attention, the driver repeatedly mouthed “help me.” Recognizing the distress, Officer Wallace quickly moved the passenger into the back of her patrol car for his safety and to investigate further.

Once the suspect was secured, the driver revealed that the passenger had shot someone and forced her to drive the getaway car at gunpoint. She explained that her fear was so overwhelming she hadn’t even noticed the red light. Shortly after, a BOLO (Be on the Lookout) alert was issued for a white Jeep matching the description of the one Officer Wallace had pulled over, along with a description of a man involved in a shooting matching the passenger now in custody.

Thanks to Officer Wallace’s diligence, police promptly arrested the 29‑year‑old man, Collins Bates. He now faces charges including attempted murder, kidnapping, unlawful carrying of a firearm, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. According to Officer Pat Wilkinson, a pistol was recovered from beneath the car seat where Bates had been sitting.

This case is a powerful reminder that a routine traffic stop, when carried out with vigilance and commitment, can lead to the swift resolution of serious crimes.