COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A veteran 911 dispatcher successfully talked an Ohio State student through an alleged home invasion.
Read more about how police caught two suspects who allegedly robbed the campus-area home at gunpoint.
NBC 4's Mike Bowersock reported the BOTTOM LINE on the dispatcher who helped save several college-age men's lives.
Dispatcher Kathleen Venrick, the wife of a Columbus police officer, stayed calm on the phone with one of the victims of OSU's fourth home invasion in a little more than a month.
"Stay hidden, OK?" Venrick told the victim on the phone, Brad, as she guided police officers to the home on East 15th Avenue.
The victim and four other people said they were tied up in an upstairs room and threatened with death while robbers ransacked the house, Bowersock reported.
Venrick calmed the victim as he pleaded for the police to hurry.
"They are. They're coming, and they're really quick," she said.
The victim, who had worked his way free from the restraints, asked Venrick if he should take the situation into his own hands.
Victim: "I could try to push one over the banister. Should I try to take one out?"
Venrick: "No, stay hidden."
As police arrived and chased down the two alleged intruders, Venrick stayed on the line with the victim.
Dispatcher: "I'm still here with you. They're there, OK? So hang on." … "They're running, honey, so some of 'em are taking off. I want you to hang on a minute OK? 'Cause they don't know who you are, so stay on the line with me 'cause it's confusing, alright?"
Victim: "Do you want me to just stay where we're at?"
Venrick: "Just stay put."
Victim: "Oh my God. That was nerve-wracking."
Police caught two men, Ajani Ware and Brandon Crowder, who were charged with aggravated robbery, Bowersock reported.
Columbus police said it has been investigating three similar home invasions in the campus area since March 9.
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