Raleigh police officer saves the day for woman on side of I-440

Peggy Skirball was driving eastbound near Six Forks Road on Thursday morning when her tire blew out.

“That’s a crazy part of 440, and trucks and cars are zooming by you,” Skirball said.

She pulled over on the shoulder, which was so narrow she didn’t feel she could get out of her car. She called her roadside assistance provider, which called police to help ensure other vehicles wouldn’t hit Skirball’s car.

“This guy just showed up, and he was amazing,” Skirball said.

Enter Sgt. Brian Scioli with RPD. He arrived on a motorcycle and said he would change Skirball’s tire. Skirball was hesitant because, as a representative for a dental equipment company, she had an SUV full of products over the spare tire.

Scioli, she said, told her to get in her car where she would be safer and carried on changing the tire.

Once the spare was on securely, Skirball said Scioli escorted her to a nearby Discount Tire store to make sure she got there safely.

“I feel like I’ve used up all my karma,” Skirball said. “I feel like we need to have a hug-your-policeman day.”