There was an unexpected detour on my way home from work tonight. I was on the phone with my mom, a nearly nightly occurrence.
“Gotta go,” I said.
Three girls, probably Quinnipiac University students, were walking down Whitney Avenue. Two were in the road. I couldn’t believe it.
Over the past few years one girl has died and others have been struck walking past darkened shops and stores on this poorly lit 4-lane suburban road.
I saw them early and slowed well behind them. There was a car in the left lane. I had to stop while he passed and then pull left. Up ahead I saw a police car pulling into a convenience store’s parking lot. I headed toward the car.
I stopped the young cop as he was walking into the store. “I don’t want anyone to get hurt,” I told him. “All I can think of is my daughter.”
It’s true. All I could think of was Stef at college.
To his credit the officer turned from the store, got in his car and headed across the road to the girls. That’s where I lost sight of him.
I’m guessing these QU girls aren’t reading my blog, but if they were… I didn’t want to be a grumpy old man and I hope I didn’t slow down your fun. It’s a dad thing. This is what we do. We can’t help ourselves.
Thank you, Geoff. That could have easily been my daughter’s life you saved that night. Kudos to you and those like you who do the right thing in situations like this! 🙂