How a pizza app saved the lives of a mother and her children

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A woman in Florida being held hostage by the father of her three children used the Pizza Hut app on her phone to notify authorities that she needed help.

According to an ABC News report, 25-year-old Cheryl Treadway and her three young children were allegedly being held at knife point by 26-year-old Ethan Nickerson in Avon Park Monday.

“She was held hostage by him all day,” said Highlands County Public Information Officer Nell Hays to ABC News.

“She told him, ‘The kids are hungry. Let’s order a pizza. Let’s get them some food,'” Hays said.

That’s when Treadway wisely used the app to order the pizza and write a message to the Pizza Hut staff that said, “Please help. Get 911 to me.”

Pizza Hut employees then relayed Treadway’s message to Highlands County police, who then went to her home.

Authorities eventually negotiated with Nickerson to peacefully surrender.

Nickerson is facing a number of charges which include aggravated assault with a weapon, battery, kidnapping and obstruction of justice. Nickerson’s bail has been set at $45,000.

“[Treadway is] the hero in this situation,” said Pizza Hut Manager Candy Hamilton. “She just thought outside the box. … I think that’s amazing. I’m just blown away.”