Did I Stop a Rape or Sexual Assault Today?

Since I write about women’s issues and true crime, I’ve become more aware and astute to what is going on around me. I notice people…I think twice about things I see. Maybe I’ve become paranoid, but I find it ridiculous that women have to live with checking over their shoulder every minute. What choice do we have but to fight back?
That’s what I did this morning.
On my way to work, I have to drive through a seedy area of town. Our city has been hit with record numbers of rapes to not only adult women, but also young girls, especially at or near bus stops. Since school started this week, I suppose it is "holiday" time for pedophiles and sexual predators.
Nearing a stop light, I noticed two young girls standing on a corner, presumably waiting for their school bus; however, there was a man standing near them, hanging on the stop sign pole, moving and and out towards them, laughing, and flirting. His body language it read, “This guy isn’t asking for the time”. Since he was much older I thought, this man has no business talking to these girls.
For some reason, my mind and body went on automatic pilot. I immediately grabbed my cell and dialed 911 to report what I saw. I only noticed the man, so I gave them every detail that I could. They thanked me and hung up.
Not even a minute later the 911 dispatcher calls me back! She asked me more in-depth questions about his demeanor, what he looked like, what he was wearing, what exactly he was doing, etc. Her voice had a weird quiver in it. She said, “Will you be available at this phone number in case a detective has to contact you?” My immediate response was “Of course!” I know I could identify him if I had to.
I hope it was nothing but some drunk weirdo harassing two young pre-teens. I hope the police officer pulled up and told him to move along. I hope he asked for his id and ran a check on him. I hope that odd feeling I had to call 911 might have saved two young girls waiting for the bus.
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