A woman believed to be a victim of domestic violence used a discreet hand signal to indicate she needed assistance, prompting police involvement.
Officers from the Alhambra Police Department responded to a 7-Eleven store in Alhambra, California, after a report of ‘suspicious circumstances’ was made on August 19, as reported by WFXR.
“During further investigation, it was determined that a domestic violence incident had occurred, and the victim was asking for help using hand signals behind her back,” officials wrote in a recent Facebook update.
The specific ‘signal’ the woman used was not disclosed, but the Women’s Funding Network informed ABC News that a common nonverbal distress signal involves placing your thumb on your open palm and then wrapping your fingers over it.
USA Today notes that the signal was developed by the Toronto-based Canadian Women’s Foundation in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The gesture serves as a silent call for help for victims of gender-based violence, indicating an immediate need for intervention in public places.
“It’s a simple one-handed gesture someone can use, without leaving a digital trace, to communicate they need someone to safely check in and support them,” the organization explained on its website.
A passerby in California reportedly recognized the woman’s gesture and contacted the local police department for assistance, officials stated.
Footage from a body camera, shared on Facebook, captured police officers arriving at the convenience store located at 2150 S. Fremont Ave and engaging with the couple involved.
The officers asked the male suspect to step outside for a conversation.
As they attempted to conduct a pat-down, the man, identified as John Palombi from Glendora, attempted to escape.
However, he was apprehended before leaving the parking lot, officers detailed on Facebook.
The suspect was arrested and taken to the Alhambra Police Department Jail, according to the report.
Authorities mentioned that Palombi was already wanted on an active warrant and was found with a stun gun.
The LA Times states that the suspect is being held without bail at the Men’s Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles.
Palombi is scheduled for a court appearance on September 11, based on information from the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department’s inmate information center.
No additional charges have been filed against him at this time, according to the outlet.
If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, remember that support is available. You can confidentially contact the national domestic violence helpline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) any time, day or night, and find local resources for further assistance.