Woman Who Climbed on the Roof Hiding From Home Intruder Produced ‘Unique and Exciting’ Netflix Drama Rated 96%

By The Hyperhive

11 August 2025

How has the life of the woman forced to climb onto the roof, escaping from an intruder, changed since 2014?

Imagine waking up to the sound of your front door being smashed in. You’re alone in your house, heart pounding, with no time to think.

What would you do? For one woman in California, this nightmare became real one ordinary day.

She had to make a quick choice to stay safe, leading to a story that still gives people chills years later. But her life didn’t stop there.

She turned her strength into something creative, working in TV and helping bring stories to the screen.

Woman Forced to Climb on Roof Escaping From Intruder

It was September 2014 in Venice, California. Melora Rivera, an actress at the time, was at home when she heard a loud bang. A man had kicked in her front door. Scared, she ran to a second-floor window, pushed out the screen, and climbed onto the roof.

She thought she could hide there until help came. She called 911 right away, whispering her address and begging for the police to hurry.

But the intruder didn’t stop. He went upstairs, found the open window, and climbed out after her. Photos taken by a neighbor show the scary moment: Rivera hiding under the edge of the roof, and the man appearing behind her.

The roof was high, about 20 feet up, with no easy way down. She stayed quiet, hoping he wouldn’t find her. The man, later named Christian Hicks, a homeless person with mental health issues, looked around but didn’t spot her right away.

Police got there fast, in just two minutes. They told her to stay put while they dealt with the intruder. Firefighters used a ladder to get her down safely. Hicks was taken into custody but released later because a witness didn’t want to press charges.

Rivera later said she felt bad for him, thinking more help for people with mental illness could prevent things like this. She stressed that society needs to protect everyone, both victims and those who need care.

The photos of the event went viral. News outlets like CNN and Daily Mail covered it, showing how close she came to harm. Rivera talked about being in her pajamas, no pants, with cops pointing guns below. It was chaotic and frightening. This event showed how quick thinking can save lives in a home break-in.

Turning Fear into a Career Boost

After the scary event, Rivera didn’t let it hold her back. She kept working in the entertainment world. She started as an actress in shows and films, but soon moved into writing and producing. By 2018, she joined the team for a popular TV series. She worked as a co-producer on 20 episodes and even wrote some parts.

Her work helped shape stories that mix action, family, and real-world problems. This shift from being a survivor to a creator shows her resilience. She used her experiences to focus on strong characters and exciting plots. Though the home invasion wasn’t part of the show she worked on, it might have given her a deeper view on fear and survival.

Rivera has spoken about how the industry can be tough, but she pushed forward. She now lives in Los Angeles, balancing art and photography too. Her story inspires many, proving that bad events don’t define you. You can build something positive from them.

A Hit Show That Captivates Viewers

The series Rivera helped produce is “Black Lightning.” It first aired on The CW from 2018 to 2021 and is now on Netflix in many places. The show follows a high school principal who was once a superhero. He comes back to fight crime and protect his city from gangs. He can control electricity, which leads to thrilling battles.

Critics love it. On Rotten Tomatoes, the first season got 96%, and overall it’s 92%. People call it “unique and exciting” because it deals with issues like racism, family bonds, and community strength.

One review said it gives the superhero genre a “necessary jolt” with scary villains and great acting by Cress Williams. Fans agree, saying it’s “smart” and “keeps getting better.” One viewer said it “sucked me in like nobody’s business.”

All four seasons are easy to watch on Netflix. It’s not based on Rivera’s life, but her role in making it shows how she turned a dark moment into a bright career. The show stands out for its mix of action and heart, making it a must-see for drama fans.

Rivera’s journey from that roof to the producer’s chair reminds us that life can surprise you. One day you’re hiding from danger, the next you’re creating stories that thrill millions. Her tale is a lesson in courage and change.