The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named truck driver Ron Ross, from Newport, TN, a TCA Highway Angel for calling 911 to help police apprehend an abductor on I-40 near Jackson, Tenn.
Ross drives for MCK Trucking, Inc, out of Madison, AL.
It’s an incredible story: On February 25, 2025 around 4 p.m., Ross was parked at a rest area along I-40 in rural West Tennessee near Jackson, when he noticed a young lady running.
“This young girl went running to the right of my truck in the grass with shoes in her hand,” Ross said. “I thought in my head, ‘something’s not right about that’.”
Ross watched as she ran about one-quarter mile and dove into the woods. Just then, he saw a man chase after her and run into the woods following her.
“It scared me,” he said. “I went and called 911.”
Luckily a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper was nearby and able to respond within five minutes. As a result, the woman, who had been held captive, was rescued from her abductor. Law enforcement told Ross the young woman had been abducted from California. Ross also provided police with video captured via his Samsara windshield camera and law enforcement has solid evidence to use in the prosecution of the abductor.
“I asked another truck driver who was there, ‘Did I just save that girl’s life?’,” Ross said. “I hope I did.”
David Wheeler, MCK Transportation Safety Director, promotes Truckers Against Trafficking and has encouraged drivers to say something if they see something.
“MCK is grateful to have a driver like Ron who makes a difference in the world,” said Wheeler.
Since the TCA Highway Angel program’s inception in August 1997, nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers have been recognized as TCA Highway Angels for exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage displayed while on the job. Thanks to the program’s presenting sponsor, EpicVue, and supporting sponsors, DriverFacts and Northland Insurance, TCA is able to showcase outstanding drivers like Ross.
The TCA Highway Angels website can be accessed at https://www.truckload.org/highway-angel/.