Media release on official letterhead from Bay County Sheriff's Office, Tommy Ford, Sheriff:
April 21, 2025
On April 10th, 2025 BCSO Deputies responded to the Bridge Plaza Apartments in reference to a suspicious incident. Deputies then made contact with the victim who stated she was kidnapped. After further investigation, it was determine Latrance Battle came to the victim's place of employment and identified herself as an "ICE" agent.
Latrance was wearing a black shirt with ICE printed on the front, portrayed a Shariff's Office business card, and had a hand-held radio. Latrance instructed the victim that she had to go with her. Due to being in fear, the victim got in the vehicle and went willingly with Latrance. The victim confirmed that she genuinely felt as if Latrance was an ICE agent at the time and she is in the process of becoming a legal United States resident. As they were in the car, traveling to their destination, Latrance forcefully snatched the victim's phone from her as she was trying to contact her lawyer and husband. After they arrived at the Bridge Plaza apartment complex, the victim suspected something was wrong because Latrance told the victim they were going to the Sheriff's Office. As Latrance went inside the apartment, the victim fled and called law enforcement.
Latrance Battle was located and arrested for Kidnapping in Commission of a Felony, Robbery by Sudden Snatching, Impersonating LEO in Commission of a Felony, and Felony Violation of Probation.
Prepared by Dep. J Navarro
Information by Cpl. Pierce
Approved by Sheriff Ford
In Bay County, Florida, a woman pretending to be an #ICE agent kidnapped a woman from her place of employment. Thankfully the victim escaped and the perpetrator arrested.
Unfortunately, this won't be the last time something like this happens. Someone is bound to get hurt. #BCSO