'Law & Order' Actor George Pogatsia Intervenes in Suspected Abduction

On a November night in Jersey City Heights, New Jersey, actor George Pogatsia - known for his recurring role on Law & Order - spotted a large man physically dragging a 19-year-old woman down the street outside his home. Pogatsia stepped outside, confronted the man, and demanded he release her. The suspect fled. Pogatsia and his wife stayed with the woman until police arrived. The woman later told PEOPLE that she believes Pogatsia saved her life.

What Happened

The woman, whose identity was not released, was visibly intoxicated when Pogatsia saw her being pulled down the street. He described the scene as immediately alarming - the man was large, the woman appeared incapacitated, and she was not moving voluntarily. Pogatsia said he did not hesitate. “I just reacted,” he told PEOPLE. “There was no way I was going to stand there and watch that happen.” The suspect ran when confronted. Jersey City police were called and responded to the scene.

The Aftermath

The suspect had not been publicly identified or arrested at the time of reporting. Pogatsia said he hoped his response would encourage others to step in when they see something wrong. The 19-year-old woman contacted Pogatsia afterward to thank him. She told PEOPLE: “He saved my life. There’s no doubt in my mind.”

References: ‘L&O’ Actor George Pogatsia Saved Girl, 19, from Abduction Attempt (Exclusive Details) | Law & Order actor intervenes in suspected abduction attempt in New Jersey