Alhambra, CA — A woman was rescued from a domestic violence situation in Alhambra after she used hand signals to discreetly ask for help. A good Samaritan recognized the signals and called 911, prompting police to respond quickly to the scene at a 7-Eleven store.
What We Know
Police were called to the 7-Eleven on Fremont and Montezuma avenues after receiving a report about suspicious circumstances. When officers arrived, they discovered that a domestic violence incident had occurred, and the woman had been signaling for help behind her back.
A good Samaritan immediately recognized the hand signals — a widely known sign for domestic violence victims — and dialed 911.
“He didn’t even make it out of the parking lot,” Alhambra Police said, describing how the suspect, John Palombi, was arrested after a brief chase.
Police bodycam footage showed officers speaking with the suspect and victim inside the store. After questioning both, the officers asked them to step outside. That’s when Palombi, who had an active warrant, attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended.
Palombi was found to be in possession of a stun gun, but the exact charges he faces are still unclear.
What We Don’t Know
While the suspect has been arrested, it remains unknown what specific charges he is facing, as Alhambra police have not released details about the alleged domestic violence incident.
At this time, police have not provided additional information on the nature of the incident that led to the woman’s distress or how long the abuse had been ongoing.
A Powerful Reminder
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing signs of distress and being aware of how to help victims of domestic violence. The hand signals, which were recently made more widely known through social media, are now a vital tool for individuals to reach out for help without speaking.
“Recognizing these signs and knowing how to act quickly can save lives,” said Alhambra Police.
For more details on how to recognize and help those in danger, Fox LA.
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