Trooper Locates Six Illegal Aliens during Traffic Stop-Two More Remain at Large
Putnam County—This morning at 8:56, an Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Trooper stopped a blue Toyota Sequoia with Texas registration for an unsafe lane movement violation on eastbound Interstate 70 near the 43 mile marker.
During conversation with the driver, the trooper noticed indicators of possible criminal activity. Further investigation revealed the eight passengers were illegal aliens with no identification, including a 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy-both without parents, and all are believed to be from the countries of Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. The driver was believed to be enroute from Houston, Texas to Baltimore, Maryland.
Six of the illegals were detained without incident, but two fled south from I-70 on foot into a field near the county road 475 East overpass.
The two suspects at-large are believed to be dark complected Hispanic males, possibly middle to late twenties, short dark hair, no facial hair, with one wearing a black leather jacket and blue jeans, and the other wearing a black sweatshirt and dark pants.
The public is asked to call 911 should they locate one or both of the individuals. As always, use caution around those who flee law enforcement.
The investigation is now being conducted by the federal agency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the individuals detained are in federal custody. Please contact that agency for any further details.
The ISP made no arrests and no other information will be released.
Assisting were the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cloverdale Police Department.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
-30-
SGT. JOE WATTS
