July 17: Rescuing a Kidnap Victim

How did a broken washer and dryer lead Antonio Diaz Chacon to save a six-year-old girl from a kidnapper?

The 24-year-old New Mexico father of two and his wife, Martha, had to travel to a relative’s house to do their laundry because their washer and dryer weren’t working.   When they arrived, Chacon spotted suspicious activity down the street: namely, a man roughly tossing a little girl into a blue van.

“The way he grabbed her and threw her into the van, I knew it wasn’t right,” he told the Associated Press.  “I knew I had to catch him.”  Chacon chased the car down in his own black pick-up while his wife called 911.  After the kidnapper crashed into a pole and ran away, Chacon rescued the girl from the van.

News of Chacon’s heroism spread, and people flooded the police with calls wanting to send the family gift cards and cash.  Whirlpool even honored him with a new washing machine and dryer.  He was overwhelmed by the support.  The victim’s father said, “Chacon’s actions prove that good people still exist.”

Doing good is its own reward, but tangible gifts of thankfulness are always appreciated.

The righteous are as bold as a lion.  (Proverbs 28:1)

Inspire me to go the extra mile to help others, Holy Spirit.