A 16-year-old girl from Asheville, North Carolina, was rescued by police after using a distress signal she learned from TikTok, which has gained popularity as a method for victims of domestic violence to discreetly seek help. The girl had been reported missing by her parents two days prior.
The incident unfolded in Kentucky when a passerby noticed the girl making hand signals associated with the “Signal for Help,” a gesture that began trending on TikTok in 2020. This signal involves tucking your thumb into your palm and folding your fingers over it, effectively indicating a need for assistance without attracting unwanted attention.
According to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, a motorist witnessed the girl signaling from a vehicle driven by 61-year-old Thomas Parker and promptly called 911, reporting the situation. The concerned caller followed the car along I-75 and provided dispatchers with updates until law enforcement intercepted the vehicle.
Once pulled over, officers discovered that the girl had been traveling through multiple states, including North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio, with Parker. They learned that Parker’s family had realized the girl was underage, prompting them to leave Ohio and return to Kentucky. During this time, the girl attempted to alert other drivers to her predicament.
Sheriff’s Deputy Gilbert Acciardo commented on the situation, noting, “We don’t know how long she had been signaling to other motorists down the interstate, but thankfully, someone finally recognized her distress.”
Further investigation revealed that Parker was in possession of a phone containing inappropriate images of a minor. He was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree unlawful imprisonment and possession of sexual performance material involving a minor.
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In summary, a missing teen was rescued by police after signaling for help using a TikTok gesture designed to alert others to domestic violence situations. The prompt actions of a concerned motorist led to her safe recovery, and legal action was taken against the adult involved.

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