George Pogatsia, the actor known for his roles on Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU, made headlines on November 1, 2025, when he intervened in a potentially life-threatening situation outside his New Jersey home. Pogatsia, 44, helped save a 19-year-old girl from what he described as an abduction attempt, putting his instincts—and some of his on-screen experience—into real-world action.

A Terrifying Scene in Jersey City Heights

Pogatsia and his wife returned home after dinner in Jersey City Heights, New Jersey, when they noticed a suspicious situation involving three people. According to Pogatsia, one large man appeared to be coercing a young woman, who was intoxicated, to leave with him. The girl was accompanied by her cousin, who was also intoxicated.

“My wife, who speaks fluent Spanish, noticed something was wrong,” Pogatsia told PEOPLE. “They told her they didn’t know this man, and it was obvious that he had bad intentions.”

When the man allegedly grabbed the girl and her cousin and attempted to pull them down the street, Pogatsia instructed his wife to stay on the phone with the police while he followed the group.

Confronting the Suspect

The actor recounted that the man tried to intimidate the girl by warning her, “If the cops come, they’re going to call ICE. They’re going to deport you.” At this point, the girl attempted to escape but was physically picked up by the suspect.

“I said to him, ‘Put that girl down,’” Pogatsia said. “He ignored me, so I got in his face and repeated, ‘Put the girl down right now or I’m f—— you up right here on the street.’”

Ultimately, Pogatsia’s intervention worked: the man dropped the girl and fled the scene. Police and paramedics arrived shortly after, following his wife’s 911 call. Pogatsia followed the suspect briefly but ultimately left the pursuit to law enforcement.

Acting Experience Meets Real-Life Courage

Pogatsia credited his quick response to both instinct and his experience on television. He appeared in two episodes of Law & Order between 2004 and 2008, and his calm, decisive actions demonstrated that some lessons from fiction can translate to real life.

“All I cared about was that the girl was safe. That was my number one priority,” he said. “She was tiny—less than 5 feet tall—and the guy had bad intentions. I just wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I didn’t help.”

Community and Media Response

News of Pogatsia’s heroic actions was first reported by TMZ, highlighting the actor’s courage in the face of danger. Fans and local residents praised his willingness to intervene, emphasizing that his actions potentially saved the young woman from serious harm.

“I’m happy I was able to step up and stop it,” Pogatsia told TMZ. “I was ready to get physical if I had to, but thankfully, nothing happened to the woman.”

About George Pogatsia

George Pogatsia is a multifaceted entertainer, known for his work as a writer, actor, and director. He has appeared in multiple television shows and films, most notably his guest roles on Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU. Pogatsia’s blend of on-screen talent and off-screen courage continues to inspire fans and fellow actors alike.