My wife and I were heading home from a party at 2 AM when our car died in a remote area. With no mobiles back then, we waited. An hour later, a college student passed by and drove us to town. We offered money, but he said, “Happy to help.” Years later, my wife called, tears in her voice, urging me to check the news. The “student” was a 35-year-old man who had robbed over
30 people in forests and abandoned areas, targeting late-night drivers. He’d pose as a lost hiker or offer rides, then steal everything and strand victims. Wanted by police in several states, his methods were chillingly clever. I shivered seeing his face. Why didn’t he rob us? Perhaps because we were two, or my tall, muscular build intimidated him. Whatever the reason, we were incredibly lucky to escape unharmed. The mystery lingers, a reminder of that fortunate night.
