Dunwoody PD Helps Disabled Woman Return Home to D.C. Despite Skeptical Social Media

Goodwill doesn’t always spread good cheer. Dunwoody Police came upon a woman in need of shelter on Christmas night and took her to a Salvation Army shelter, according to a DPD Facebook post. 

The woman called Dorothy was in a wheelchair, and had traveled to the metro area from Washington D.C., by Amtrak, but never encountered the friends she had come to visit, the Police post said. She stayed in Perimeter area hotels until her money ran out.

A Sunday morning DPD Facebook post said, “We're worried that Dorothy will become ill being outdoors in the weather. We'd like to help her secure an Amtrak ticket to Washington D.C. ASAP. The officers and Chatcomm dispatchers put together some money but need a little help with the rest. If you can help please email Sgt. Fidel Espinoza at fidel.Espinoza@dunwoodyga.gov.”

Within a few hours, an Amtrak ticket was purchased for Dorothy through I Care Atlanta, and arrangements were made for a hotel and food until her Monday departure.

A follow-up DPD post said several people responded with offers to help. Still several commenters were doubtful of Dorothy’s story.

“…The story doesn’t make sense,” said Oa Brown.

Sam O’Connor said, “…A normal, stable minded person would not drain their money away from home and go homeless. Has someone confirmed that she does have a home up north? Has she been seen by a medical doctor?”

Joshua Duke Pedowitz posted, “Good job hookin a junkie up with her drug money DPD. Very smart....”

Several positive and supportive comments were posted too. In response to the negative responses the DPD said, “We’ve interviewed her and are pretty confident we’re doing the best thing by helping her get home. We’re going to take some steps and work with Washington D.C. Adult Services to do a little follow up. Bottom line, Dorothy wants to go to home and we’re going to try to help her do that. If you can help us…thank you. If not, that’s ok too.”

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