Photo: Bay County Sheriff's Office
A Florida woman, Latrance Battle, 52, was arrested after allegedly impersonating a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent to kidnap her ex-boyfriend's wife. On Thursday (April 10), Battle entered a hotel in the Florida Panhandle, where the woman worked, and claimed to be there to detain her, according to the Bay County Sheriff's Office.
Battle had a history with the victim's husband, who had previously filed a restraining order against her.
Battle wore a black shirt with "ICE" printed on it and showed a business card from the sheriff's office to convince the woman she was a legitimate agent. The woman, who is in the process of becoming a legal U.S. resident, believed Battle and went with her willingly. However, during the car ride, Battle allegedly took the woman's phone when she tried to contact her lawyer and husband.
Battle told the woman she had to "suffer the consequences of her husband’s actions" and drove her to Bridge Plaza Apartments instead of the sheriff's office. The woman realized she was being kidnapped and managed to escape with the help of a neighbor, who allowed her to call the police.
Battle was arrested the following day while allegedly fleeing to Alabama. She faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, robbery by sudden snatching, and impersonating a law enforcement officer.