The victim’s survival instincts kicked in. So instead of calling her boyfriend, she called 911 without her attacker knowing what she was doing.
Deonte Smith, a prominent 911 operator, was the one who took the call. In a few words, he understood what she was trying to do and decided to play with the trick of being her “boyfriend”. His thoughts while handling the call were for his mother, daughter and sister.
Dionnett knew he had to remain calm and professional despite the inconveniences of the call. It was crucial to save this woman’s life. The 911 operator played the role of her “boyfriend”. He spoke with the abuser on the phone, trying to convince him to stop assaulting the woman. All the while, he brought emergency services to the scene.
After all was said and done, Dionnett refused to call himself a hero. He thanked the victim for his quick-wittedness and indescribable courage.
He also recognized this as divine intervention. Deonte was about to take a breather when the victim called 911. If the call had come seconds later, he would have been grounded. There was no one else on duty that night.
The attacker was arrested. He faces various charges, including forcible confinement, rape and obstruction.
