Later, I found out this is a common tactic: people pretend to have car trouble, and when someone stops to help, the criminals attack, tie up the victim, steal the car — or worse.

I don’t want to scare anyone unnecessarily — I just want to warn you: if you’re driving on a deserted road and see a scene like this, keep your distance, don’t stop alone, call the police or roadside assistance, and report what you saw. That way, you can help — without putting your own life in danger.