|
A NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK!
Officer Chuck Lerner
Cleburne, TX, Police Department
DID YOU ever look for “a needle in a haystack?” That’s what it’s like when you’re trying to find a specific car among hundreds of thousands in your area, especially when it’s the border towns of El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.
An elderly woman had been carjacked at a mall, and the thief threatened to kill her. I had a radioed description of the suspect and stolen vehicle, and diligently began searching the area. With no idea where to begin my search, I earnestly prayed and asked God to be my guide. I was quite concerned the suspect might strike again, this time actually assaulting or killing his victim! God literally directed me to get on the freeway!
As I entered the on-ramp the suspect in the stolen vehicle passed directly in front of me! After radioing other officers for backup, we safely stopped the vehicle and arrested the carjacker without any injuries. Incredibly, the suspect did not attempt to flee or fight. He actually “thanked” me for arresting him, because he said he knew he would have continued car jacking and robbing people. We later learned he recently had been paroled from prison, and had committed a similar carjacking the previous day. With his arrest we recovered both of the vehicles and other stolen property, and were led to three additional suspects involved in the case.

With my adrenaline lowered and time to reflect, I was amazed at and strengthened by the way in which God answered my prayer. If I had entered the freeway even a minute or two before or after the time God directed me there, I might never have seen the stolen vehicle and the suspect might not have been caught so quickly. As I’ve learned many times, God’s timing is always perfect!
There have been numerous instances when God has helped me do my job as a police officer, but this case stands out as a clear example of what an awesome God we serve, how much he loves and cares for us, and how much he hates sin and evildoers. Most importantly I know for certain He does answer prayer!
|