One night this week, we heard desperate shouts from a car that came to an abrupt stop near our home in Lakewood, “Call 911 now. Get out of my car…” It was obvious that some sort of scuffle had erupted in the vehicle and help was needed.

We dialed 911, and were met with eerie silence. No ringing, no operator, no recording. Meanwhile, the frightening screams and activity continued from the car. After about 60 seconds, the silence on the line was broken, “Where’s the emergency…” And the questions began. Name? Phone number? Description of vehicle? Of the occupants?” I asked, “While we’re talking, is help being dispatched? Every moment is vital.” “Just a minute…” Sometime into the call, I was finally told, “Stay on the line while I connect you with Lakewood Police.”

And the conversation began anew…

This time, though, as the Lakewood dispatcher took the info, she was actually dispatching the call. Before the call even ended, I saw an officer approaching. But it was a few moments too late. The feuding few in the car had taken off, and the responding officers couldn’t locate the vehicle.

Did someone get beaten later that night? Or otherwise suffer with a violent aggressor? We may never know.

Precious minutes were wasted getting through to the proper party – the Lakewood Police – when every second counted. I’m still unsure why the emergency call system is set up this way.

The police officer later told me, “I was just down the road, and I sped over as soon as I got the call. It’s too bad. You can call us directly on our non-emergency number (732-363-0200) and press 0. It’s actually a lot faster, as you’ll be connected straight to our dispatcher.”

For now, I took his advice and saved that number in my phone. You may consider doing likewise.

Signed,

A Lakewood resident

The views expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Lakewood Alerts. Have an opinion you would like to share? Send it to us for review.