Abducted 16-Year-Old Girl Rescued After TikTok Distress Hand Signal Alerts Passing Motorist

A teen girl abducted from North Carolina has been rescued after she made a hand signal popularized on TikTok that alerted a passing motorist about the distress, the Kentucky sheriff's office said.

The unidentified 16-year-old girl from Ashville was rescued from the back seat of a Toyota Camry driven by her alleged abductor, 61-year-old James Herbert Brick, at a traffic stop on Interstate 75 in southern Kentucky Thursday afternoon. The driver of a passing vehicle recognized the signal made by the girl that "represents violence at home — I need help — domestic violence," and called 911, the Sheriff's office said, as reported by NBC News.

The driver followed Brick's vehicle and informed the police about the vehicle's location. Brick was reportedly on his way to see relatives in Ohio when he was stopped by the police.

The police found a photo from Brick's phone that allegedly sexually portrayed the girl. Brick has been arrested on charges of unlawful imprisonment and possession of material showing a sexual performance by a minor.

The girl who was reported missing Tuesday morning initially went with Brick willingly but started getting scared at some point as they traveled, Laurel County Deputy Gilbert Acciardo said, according to a New York Post report. The girl told the police that she traveled with Brick through North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio. At some point during the journey, she started "fearing for her life" and decided to seek help, Acciardo said.

Brick from Cherokee, North Carolina has been held on a $10,000 cash bond in Laurel County Correctional Center.

The one-hand "Signal For Help" was first introduced by the Canadian Women's Foundation and became popular on TikTok during the pandemic shutdown when people were at increased risk of domestic violence at home.

The signal involves holding a hand up, with palm out, and tucking the thumb while folding the fingers down over the thumb. The SOS hand gesture allows a person to discretely ask for help and indicate they are in distress. "If you see someone use the Signal for Help, check in with the person safely to find out what they need and want you to do. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services," the Canadian Women's Foundation says.