A Teen Used This Secret TikTok Sign To Call For Help & Police Saved Her From A Kidnapping

A clever teenager used a TikTok trend to escape a scary kidnapping situation in the U.S.

The 16-year-old girl was riding in a car with her alleged captor when she managed to flash a hand signal to another driver on the interstate, according to police in Kentucky.

The girl gave the secret signal for domestic violence that's become popular on TikTok, the Laurel County Sheriff's Office said.

The signal was invented by the Canadian Women's Foundation last year as a way to silently ask for help over video when someone else is listening. They came up with it as a tool for those stuck at home with an abusive partner because of the pandemic, but it can be used in all kinds of different situations.

It involves holding up an open palm with the fingers together, tucking your thumb in and then closing your fingers on top.

Secret Hand Signal That Saved Teen’s Life Was Created By This Canadian Groupwww.youtube.com

A driver spotted the girl's signal while they were on I-75 in Kentucky and immediately reported it to police.

Authorities pulled the car over, rescued the girl and arrested the driver.

James Herbert Brick, 61, has been charged with unlawful imprisonment and a child pornography-related offence in connection with the incident.

The girl had been reported missing from Asheville, North Carolina, on November 2.

Police ultimately saved her two days later on November 4.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.