A woman in Florida was arrested for kidnapping after showing up at her ex’s new wife’s place of work and impersonating an ICE officer, claiming that she was detaining the victim.
52-year-old Latrance Battle entered a hotel where the woman worked, wearing a black shirt with “ICE” printed on the front. She also carried a hand-held radio and presented a sheriff’s office business card, telling the woman she needed to leave with her.
“Due to being in fear, the victim got in the vehicle and went willingly with Latrance,” the sheriff’s office said. The victim, who is in the process of becoming a legal U.S. resident, told authorities she believed Battle was a legitimate ICE agent.
While driving, Battle reportedly used her radio in a manner that reinforced the victim’s beliefs. However, during the ride, when the woman tried to call her husband and attorney, Battle allegedly snatched the phone from her hand and told her she would have to wait until they arrived at the sheriff’s office to make her calls, according to the Miami Herald.
The victim began to feel uneasy as they passed the sheriff’s office, especially when Battle started to speak negatively about her husband. Once they arrived at the apartment complex, Battle entered one of the units, giving the frightened victim an opportunity to escape and call for help.
Authorities located and detained Battle as she was fleeing to Alabama, the sheriff’s office said. She was charged with felony kidnapping, robbery by sudden snatching, impersonating a law enforcement officer during the commission of a felony and felony violation of probation.
