West Charlotte ninth-grader Vadahl Torrence was on his way home from band practice last summer when he saw a woman lying on the ground, crying for help.

Vadahl saw the woman had been stabbed.  He carried her to a nearby store for help.  While the owner called 911, Vadahl applied pressure to the woman’s wounds.  He also made sure she could breathe.

“My mom always told me to help someone if they are in need,” he said.

When police and medics arrived, Vadahl stayed on the scene to make sure the woman was treated appropriately.

“It amazes me that many people walked pass her and didn’t help,” Vadahl said.  “She lives in my neighborhood, but I didn’t know her.”

Vadahl’s kindness earned him recognition from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the West Charlotte staff.

On Oct. 19, Captain Coerte Vorhees of the Freedom Division honored Vadahl for being a Good Samaritan and gave him a certificate, a $50 gift card to a local restaurant and a police badge.

“Vadahl did the right thing and I am very proud of him,” said Shelton Jefferies, principal of West Charlotte High School.” 

Vadahl, who is from Chester, South Carolina, has only lived in Charlotte a year.  He is a member of West Charlotte’s drumline and chorus.  He also participates in the school’s Emerging Leaders Program. 

“I was shocked at what happened, but not shocked that he helped,” said Greg Schermbeck, Vadahl’s science teacher.  “He is a great student and in all likelihood, he saved that lady’s life.”