Photo credit: globalnews.ca
A woman from Florida has been taken into custody for allegedly impersonating an immigration officer and kidnapping her ex-boyfriend’s wife while she was at work. The suspect, 52-year-old Latrance Battle, was arrested on April 11 after an incident that raised alarms among law enforcement.
According to reports, Battle entered a hotel located in the Florida Panhandle on April 10. When approached by a hotel employee who inquired if she required a room, Battle claimed she was there to “pick her up” and unzipped her jacket to reveal her shirt emblazoned with “ICE,” representing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Additionally, she presented a business card that suggested an affiliation with a local sheriff’s office.
The hotel worker, believing Battle to be a genuine ICE agent, contacted her supervisor and decided to accompany Battle. However, the situation quickly turned distressing.
Latest National News Updates
Sign up to receive timely alerts about breaking news events that matter across the nation.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of kidnapping following the incident. In their statement, police indicated that Battle had misidentified herself as an ICE officer and coerced the victim into believing that she had to comply with her instructions. Out of fear for her safety, the victim complied and entered Battle’s vehicle.
During the ride, the victim expressed that she genuinely believed that Battle was an official agent and revealed that she was in the process of obtaining legal residency in the United States. However, she grew increasingly anxious when Battle forcibly took her phone as she attempted to contact her lawyer and husband.
The situation escalated when Battle made ominous remarks, suggesting the victim would face repercussions for her husband’s actions. Upon arriving at an apartment complex, the victim sensed something was amiss when Battle indicated they were headed to the Sheriff’s Office, prompting her to flee and contact authorities.
According to the victim’s husband, Battle had a history of aggressive behavior; two years prior, she had confronted him at his workplace, leading him to seek a restraining order against her.
Law enforcement located Battle in Fountain, Florida, while she was reportedly on her way to Alabama. Body camera footage showed deputies arresting her after they repeatedly requested that she open her car door. Eventually, she exited the vehicle with her hands raised, leading to her arrest.
Battle now faces multiple charges, including kidnapping during the commission of a felony, robbery by sudden snatching, impersonating a law enforcement officer, and a felony violation of probation.
Source
globalnews.ca