A text message to a friend in New Jersey may have saved the life of a pregnant woman who was being held against her will at knife point, Pocono Mountain Regional Police said.

The incident happened during the night of Dec. 30 on the 5200 block of Holiday Drive, Pocono Summit.

Richie Ortiz Jr., 20, who resides at that address, was charged with terroristic threats, unlawful restraint, simple assault and harassment. The woman was safely removed from the home.

Police said they were contacted at 11:23 p.m. by someone from New Jersey who asked them to check on the welfare of the woman because she had texted the friend saying she was being held against her will.

When police arrived at the residence, they attempted to contact Ortiz, but he refused to come to the door and began turning off the lights inside the residence, police said.

Police said they observed a flashing light at the rear of the home and learned Ortiz’s younger sister was sending Morse Code “SOS” by light. Upon contact, she told police her brother was holding the woman at knife point and was threatening to kill her and the unborn child. The sister advised police her brother was refusing to allow them inside.

Police said a perimeter was established and while police were beginning to get others out of the home, Ortiz’s father arrived at the front of the home which resulted in an argument. During that altercation, police said, other people came out of the home, which allowed police to enter the residence and safely secure the woman’s welfare.

Ortiz was found hiding in the attic and was taken into custody.