DPS Human Trafficking Pursuit, 6 In Custody
INCIDENT DATE/TIME: 04-10-2024 | 4:00 AM
LOCATION: WB I-10 Near 48th Street
AREA/CITY: Phoenix
DETAILS:
- According to AZ DPS Sergeant Jacob Melki, a DPS trooper attempted to stop a silver Dodge Ram pickup traveling west on I-10 near Casa Grande after the pickup was unable to maintain its lane.
- The pickup refused to yield and a pursuit was initiated.
- The pickup fled westbound on I-10, eventually entering the Phoenix Metro area.
- Metro troopers deployed stop sticks near the Broadway curve.
- The stop sticks successfully deflated 2 left side tires on the vehicle.
- Moments later, the pickup came to a stop on I-10 west of 48th Street.
- 5 passengers dressed in camouflage quickly exited the vehicle and ran north across the interstate into a business complex.
- The driver remained with the vehicle and was quickly taken into custody.
- Several troopers and Phoenix Police officers responded to the area where the passengers fled near the 4500 block of east Elwood Street.
- Troopers and PD quickly located the suspects who were attempting to hide in vegetation around the business.
- DPS has confirmed that all 5 passengers are undocumented immigrants who were in the process of being smuggled into the United States by the driver of the pickup.
- DPS is coordinating with Immigration & Customs Enforcement to process the detainees.
- The driver faces several charges including unlawful flight and human trafficking.
- The drivers identity has not been released.
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