Pierson, United States - October 19, 2024

In a harrowing yet courageous act, a woman cleverly disguised her plea for help as a pizza order, ultimately leading deputies to her rescue from an alleged attempted rape in West Volusia early Saturday.

Around 4 a.m., on October 19th the woman dialed 911, asking for a pizza. When the dispatcher realized the gravity of the situation, she maintained a tense dialogue, allowing the woman to communicate her distress without alerting her attacker. Lacking an address, authorities traced her cellphone to a rural field in Pierson, known for its ferneries.

As deputies arrived on foot, they heard loud music emanating from the area. Upon investigation, they found a man on top of a screaming woman, who urgently cried for help. “He’s trying to rape me. Can you help me?” she pleaded as deputies intervened, swiftly apprehending the suspect.

Luis Diego Hernandez-Moncayo, 27, was arrested on charges of attempted sexual battery, battery by strangulation, and false imprisonment. Currently held without bond, he faces an immigration detainer from U.S. Border Patrol, as he is in the country illegally. Sheriff Mike Chitwood reported that Hernandez-Moncayo had applied for asylum just one day prior to the incident.

The pair reportedly knew each other and had intended to enjoy a few drinks at the fernery, but after allegedly using cocaine, Hernandez-Moncayo became violent, refusing to let the woman leave and ultimately attempting to assault her. The swift response from law enforcement underscores the importance of recognizing and acting on subtle signals of distress.