February 18th, 1991. On Geraldo Rivera’s namesake talk show we hear the amazing story of Katrina Ruelaz, who stayed home sick from school and babysat her 10-month old sister only to have a terrifying brush with danger.
“Well, around 9 o’clock I had put my sister to sleep, she was getting real fussy and I was watching TV…he forced our screen door open…I went to my room, and I called my mom…”
Young Katrina describes her ordeal in detail; a sore throat and making the decision to stay home, watching her baby sister, and how a man started ringing the bell then pounding on the door. She calls her mom and mom says find out what he wants, but she is too afraid. The man forces his way inside and this brave 11 year old eventually calls 911.
Katrina escapes this incident without injury and all three perps are eventually arrested. She is awarded a plaque from local police organizations for her help.
This day, Geraldo’s television history.