A Minnesota farmer who helped save a teenage girl who was abducted and sexually assaulted has turned down the $7,000 reward – instead choosing to give it to the 15-year-old because ‘she’s the real hero’.
Earl Melchert, 65, decided that the money would be better spent on Jasmine Block, who had been held captive and abused by three men for a month.
She had been taken from her home on August 8 by three men, including one suspect who is a friend of the girl’s family, Thomas Barker.
The girl, who was forced to swim through Grant County lake to escape her captors, was spotted by Mr Melchart when she came running towards his vehicle.
Speaking out about her ordeal, Jasmine Block told Fox 9 News: ‘I was usually in a closet and I usually stayed quiet because I was scared they might hit me or do something.’
Alexandria Police Chief Rick Wyffels (right) shakes the hand of farmer Earl Melchert (left), who helped save 15-year-old Jasmine Block
She said she seized her opportunity to escape her captors when she was left alone in the suspect’s car in rural Barrett, Minnesota.
‘They went to the store to get some food,’ she said. ‘And they said it would be about an hour.
‘I opened the door and told him (Earl Melchert), to call 911. [I said] “My name is Jasmine Block and I’ve been kidnapped.” And he asked if I was the missing girl from Alex and I said “yes.”‘
Alexandria Police Chief Rick Wyffels said on Facebook: ‘Today we witnessed an incredible example of kindness.
‘What no one expected was the kindness and generosity that came straight from Earl’s heart today.
‘He believes that young lady that came running towards him that September day is the real hero, and without hesitation, Earl handed the reward over to her, followed by a big hug.
‘Thank you Earl, it is people like you that make this world a better place.’
The reward money was offered by the girl’s family to anyone who had information on her whereabouts, along with an anonymous donor.
Mr Melchart told local media that ‘he did what I had to do’.
Jasmine Block (pictured) has spoken out about her ordeal, where she was held captive for more than a month
The family friend who allegedly abducted her, Barker, who suffers from cerebral palsy, admitted he was on methamphetamine and had bee drinking alcohol.
According to investigators, Barker, who suffers from cerebral palsy, admitted he was on methamphetamine and booze.
The 15-year-old’s mother said she wanted to Mr Melchart to thank him for helping to save his daughter.
Jasmine’s mother Sarah Block paid homage to her daughter’s saviour.
She told local news: ‘He’s really a hero for us.
‘We wanted to thank him… He didn’t have to help her and he did. He risked a lot of things and put himself in danger.’
She also hailed the bravery of her daughter for the pain that she had to endure during her time in captivity.
Ms Block added: ‘I think she’s a warrior. She’s probably the strongest person I have ever known.’
All three suspects have been charged with kidnapping, criminal sexual conduct, assault and false imprisonment.
Police chief Rick Wyffels paid homage to Mr Melchart in a Facebook post. He wrote: ‘Thank you Earl, it is people like you that make this world a better place.’