An Ohio truck driver is being praised as a hero after rescuing a missing 12-year-old girl with developmental disabilities. The driver, Derek Flory, was on a four-hour trip along U.S. 23 North from Portsmouth to Wauseon, Ohio, when he spotted the child walking on the side of the road.
Flory first noticed a flashing light and initially thought it was from a bicycle. However, as he got closer, he realized it was actually coming from the flashlight on the back of the girl’s phone.
“I honked my horn, and suddenly, the light started moving erratically. That’s when I realized it wasn’t a bike but a little girl,” Flory told WTVG.
Acting quickly, Flory pulled his truck over, turned on his hazard lights, and rushed to help the girl. She immediately walked towards him, allowing him to guide her to safety. Flory then brought her into his truck and drove to a nearby business parking lot, where he called the police.
Authorities in Scioto County had already been searching for the child after her grandmother reported her missing about 15 minutes earlier. Deputies arrived soon after and confirmed that she was the missing girl.
Flory was relieved that he spotted her in time. “The scary part is, if her flashlight hadn’t been on, I don’t think I would’ve seen her,” he said.
As a father of two daughters, the experience was deeply emotional for Flory. “This really hit close to home for me. It’s terrifying to think about what could have happened if she had been out there any longer,” he said. “I truly believe that God placed me at the right place and time.”
Thankfully, the young girl was unharmed and has been safely reunited with her family. Police have not shared the family’s identity to protect their privacy.
Flory’s heroic actions have gained widespread praise, with many calling him a lifesaver. His quick thinking and kindness likely prevented a tragic outcome, making him a true hero on the road.
