3rd-i App PREVENTED A TRAGEDY in Miami!
South Beach, late night. A college student orders an Uber to head back to Coral Gables. While waiting for her ride, she taps Go Live in the 3rd-i app. Instantly, her trusted Squad, friends she’s added in the app, gets a notification. Among them is Dillon Abend, 3rd-i’s founder, working late with his roommate. They join the stream. She thought she was getting into her Uber, but she got into THE WRONG CAR, that WAS NOT AN UBER.
A few minutes in, the vibe shifts. The driver starts saying sketchy, boundary-crossing things. On stream, Dillon hears the driver say some very uncomfortable things to her. This is the moment he steps in as a Squad member, not as a spectator, but as support.
“Tell him to drop you off at this address and your friends are expecting you.” “This isn’t good, if this guy deviates from the way you’re going press the SOS button.” “Don’t respond to what he just said.”
The driver makes an unwanted advance, touching her leg and making inappropriate comments. With Dillon and another Squad member in the live chat giving calm, specific instructions, she asserts herself clearly. The driver stops. She steps out, very shaken, but safe.
This is what 3rd-i is built for: turning connection into real time safety.
What Actually Happened: Step by Step
1) Live, not alone. Tapping Go Live sent a real-time alert to her Squad. Dillon and his roommate joined within seconds and could see, hear, and message her in the stream.
2) The moment of tension. When Dillon heard the driver’s sketchy remarks and her uneasy responses, he took the lead in Squad chat, short prompts, simple steps, steady tone.
3) Coaching through the freeze. Fear makes people freeze. The chat gave her micro-steps to follow in plain language: verify identity, state she has friends waiting for her, and request a pull-over.
4) De-escalation with firmness. With her squad watching and helping her through the situation, she approached what she said with confidence. The guy eventually got her to her destination, but not without very uncomfortable conversation; she eventually exited safely.
Why the “Squad” Matters
A lot of apps give you a button. 3rd-i gives you people, your trusted contacts.
- Eyes & ears. Friends are virtually present right now. Just a location isn’t enough.
- Real-time coaching. Scripts in chat cut through panic.
- Receipts. Streams can be saved for evidence if you choose.
- Discreet Emergency Dispatch. At the click of a button she would’ve been connected to dispatchers promptly.
When things get weird, your Squad becomes your composure. They don’t just watch—they walk you through it.
3rd-i in 30 Seconds
- Go Live with a tap: stream video, audio, and location to your Squad.
- Squad Chat overlays the stream so your people can guide you.
- Discreet Emergency Dispatch & Critical Alerts (opt-in) help important notifications break through and get help.
- Evidence-ready recordings preserve what happened, if you choose to save.
We build features to reduce response time, increase visibility, and make it easier for the right people to help—fast.
Lessons from that Night
- Always check the license plate before you get in.
- Build your Squad now. Don’t wait for a bad moment to add trusted friends.
A Note from Dillon
“When I heard the driver cross the line and heard her voice tighten, I knew she needed clear steps—fast. That’s the power of a Squad: you’re not alone in the moment that matters.” — Dillon Abend, Founder
Always check the plate. Always ride with a Squad. Download 3rd-i. Go Live. Get home.