Child’s message to bus driver leads to rescue of kidnapped mother: Police

A 29-year-old man from Iowa has been apprehended after allegedly confining a woman against her will and assaulting her “through the night.” This came to light when the woman’s daughter handed a note to her school bus driver the next day that said, “Call 911.”

Glenroy Stefand Miller has been arrested and faces charges including one count of second-degree kidnapping, one count of willful causing serious injury, and two counts of domestic abuse assault, according to Law&Crime-reviewed records.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office issued a news release stating that at around 7:24 a.m. on Wednesday, they received a call from a Sumner-Fredericksburg School District notifying them that a student had given a “Call 911” note to the bus driver. Deputies promptly responded to the student’s rural Westgate home, approximately 140 miles northeast of Des Moines.

Upon arriving at the address, first responders said they made contact with the parent of the student who provided the handwritten note.

“Upon investigation, authorities discovered the child’s mother was being held against her will, unable to make a call, and had given her child the note to seek help,” the release specified.

Miller, identified as a Bahamian citizen, was arrested on charges of domestic assault and obstructing emergency communication for allegedly preventing the victim from using her phone to call for help.

However, authorities said they quickly learned that the situation inside the home was even worse than it appeared at first glance.

“Further investigation revealed Miller had severely assaulted the female victim throughout the night,” the release continued. “He initially intended to take her to the hospital but reversed course, fearing arrest. Miller persistently abused the victim, inflicting serious injuries and threatening her life by wielding a knife to her throat and wrists.”

Authorities did not reveal details about the victim’s daughter, but Cedar Rapids CBS and Fox affiliate KGAN reported that she is a student at a local elementary school.

Miller was transported to the Fayette County Jail, where he remained as of Monday afternoon. While a judge on Thursday set his bond at $25,000 cash-only during his initial appearance, Miller is also being held on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer.

It was not immediately clear when Miller was scheduled to appear in court again.