Disabled veteran in a car asked her to grab him lottery tickets at a gas station — but one panicked call to her husband made her drive away instead
A simple trip to the gas station can take an unexpected turn when a stranger's request creates a moment of uncertainty. That is what happened to singer and songwriter Olivia King, who later shared the experience to encourage others to stay alert. In a video posted on Instagram through her account @oliviakingmusic on March 23, 2026, she explained how a man who claimed to be a disabled war veteran asked her to buy lottery tickets and other items for him while she was filling up her car. The situation changed after a phone call with her husband, prompting her to drive away instead of helping the person.
Olivia explained that she had stopped to fill her car with gas when another vehicle pulled up. A man, who appeared to be around 50 years old and wore glasses, called out to her and asked if she could buy him a pack of cigarettes and lottery tickets if he gave her the money. He also said he was "a war veteran" and was disabled, explaining that his wheelchair was in the back of his vehicle and getting out was a struggle. Unsure of what to do, she told him to wait, got into her car, and called her husband. Her partner first asked whether she was safely inside the vehicle before telling her, "Get out of there immediately!"
After hearing her husband's reaction, Olivia remembered a story about a serial killer who reportedly used similar requests to draw people closer before attacking them. She later admitted she had no way of knowing whether the man genuinely needed help or if there was any bad intention behind his request. Listening to personal instincts is crucial to ensure safety in uncertain situations. Looking back, the woman said the experience stayed with her because she had been alone at the gas station, and it was already dark outside. She encouraged viewers, especially females, to pay attention whenever they find themselves questioning a situation. Her final message was simple: "Be safe."
Crimes targeting women have made many more cautious about their surroundings and the situations they face. Another story highlights why staying alert matters. A woman shared how a man followed her while she was walking home. Scared, she entered a store, but the creep kept walking close behind her. He came into the shop and began shouting. Eventually, the staff was alerted, and the stalker was sent away. A stranger later helped her by walking her home, restoring her “faith in humanity.”
For more interesting stories, follow @oliviakingmusic on her Instagram account.