VIDEO: Quick-thinking cashier saves kidnapped sex assault victim from captors, police say

Surveillance cameras reportedly captured the tense moments when a California gas station clerk helped a woman escape from men who allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted her.

Per KCRA, Savannah Pritchett was working at Triple R Gas and Mart in Waterford Wednesday afternoon when a distressed woman came in asking for help. The woman said she was kidnapped in Fresno on Tuesday and sexually assaulted that night.

The woman reportedly told Pritchett that she claimed she needed to use the bathroom and convinced her captors to stop at the gas station.

“The first thing she did tell me was, ‘I was kidnapped, and they do have guns. Please, lock the door, they will kill us, or kill me,’” Pritchett told the station.

Pritchett quickly gave the woman her cell phone and instructed her to go into the bathroom and call 911. Reports indicated that police came with guns drawn and arrested Anthony Sandoval, 18, inside the store. KFSN reported that three juveniles were also arrested in connection with the abduction.

“Her being able to get this victim into a secured restroom with a phone and being able to contact law enforcement very well may have saved her life,” Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Tom Letras said.

ABC News reported that the suspects have ties to local gangs. They’re facing multiple charges, including armed robbery, sexual assault, and kidnapping. Meanwhile, the woman is said to be okay following the traumatic ordeal.

Pritchett told the network, “I’m very thankful that I got to help that girl and I am very thankful that she’s home safe with her family and now I’m happy that they got those guys off the street.”

[Featured Image: KCRA video screengrab]