QuikTrip Guard and Movers Honored for Amber Alert Rescue
In a remarkable incident in Phoenix, Arizona, a QuikTrip security guard and a group of movers played crucial roles in rescuing a toddler who had been abducted. This took place on February 22, when Skyler Emmons, a security guard at QuikTrip, recognized a young girl who matched the description of Kehlani Rodgers, a 2-year-old featured in an Amber Alert issued the prior weekend.
Details of the Amber Alert Rescue
Kehlani was last seen on February 20 around 11:30 p.m. near 118th and Edgemont avenues. Her parents reported her missing at 5 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, after a frantic three-hour search. Emmons reported that the description in the Amber Alert resonated with him as he saw the girl in the store.
Quick Actions Save a Life
Emmons promptly contacted 911, and his call caught the attention of Kevin Place, an employee at Camelback Moving, Inc. Place immediately recognized the girl from the photos.
- Place recorded the license plate number of 23-year-old Marina Noriega’s vehicle, the suspected kidnapper.
- The movers utilized their trucks to block Noriega’s car, enabling the police to arrive and safely rescue Kehlani.
Chad Olsen, the president of Camelback Moving, expressed pride in his team for their role in the rescue operation. He noted that the community had rallied behind their efforts, acknowledging it as a rare and unifying event.
Acknowledgment of Heroism
The Avondale Police Department awarded both Emmons and the movers for their courageous actions with a Good Samaritan Award. Olsen remarked humorously, “Not all heroes wear capes. Sometimes they arrive in moving trucks and bring dollies.”
Despite the recognition, Place remained humble, stating, “I don’t feel like a hero. There are people doing this every day.” His modesty highlights the everyday acts of bravery that often go unnoticed.
This incident serves as a reminder of the impact a community can have when individuals act quickly and decisively in times of crisis. The collaborative efforts of the QuikTrip security guard and the movers exemplify the spirit of vigilance and support typical of dedicated citizens.
