Content Warning: This article contains a discussion of domestic violence that may be distressing to some readers.

Following a harrowing incident involving domestic violence, a 911 dispatcher has shared his experience after receiving a call from a woman who cleverly disguised her plea for help by pretending to order a pizza.

On the evening of November 13, 2019, Tim Teneyck answered what seemed like an ordinary call, initially assuming it was a mistaken pizza order or prank call. However, he quickly realized that the caller, Tiffany Urban, was using the pizza order as a coded way to seek assistance for a dire situation.

Despite Urban’s initial insistence on ordering pizza, Teneyck sensed the urgency in her voice and devised a method to extract information discreetly. Using yes or no questions, he managed to confirm that Urban was in danger due to alleged domestic violence.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Teneyck discreetly dispatched law enforcement while maintaining the guise of a pizza delivery to avoid alerting the alleged abuser. Despite efforts to keep Urban on the line, she eventually had to disconnect.

When the police arrived at Urban’s residence, they found her, her mother, and her mother’s boyfriend, Simon Ray Lopez. Urban had called 911 after Lopez allegedly assaulted her mother while intoxicated, leading to his arrest on charges of domestic violence.

The incident, while tragic, has since become a pivotal case in the training of 911 operators. While the method of using food orders to report crimes was unfamiliar to both Teneyck and Chief of Police Mike Navarre, they acknowledge its effectiveness and the importance of recognizing distress signals from callers.

Navarre emphasizes the critical role of dispatchers in identifying individuals in need of help, underscoring the significance of taking every call seriously. However, he also suggests that texting authorities may be a more reliable option, as relying on food orders to signal distress could potentially be overlooked.

Tragically, Urban passed away from a cardiac arrest mere weeks after her courageous call. Her brother reflects on her act of bravery, highlighting her unwavering commitment to protecting her family.

For those experiencing domestic violence, support is available through the national domestic violence helpline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233), offering confidential assistance 24/7.