PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL – A woman from Florida was arrested after allegedly impersonating an immigration officer and abducting her ex-boyfriend’s wife, authorities confirmed.
Latrance Battle, 52, faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, robbery, and falsely posing as a law enforcement officer, following an incident detailed by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
The alarming episode unfolded on April 10 when deputies responded to an incident at the Bridge Plaza Apartments, where they encountered a visibly distressed woman. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, recounted her ordeal to authorities, outlining how she was deceived at her workplace by an individual resembling a federal agent.
According to an affidavit, the victim was at her job at a local Days Inn when Battle entered, dressed conspicuously in a black outfit with a mask and reflective sunglasses. Battle reportedly revealed a shirt bearing the “ICE” logo beneath her jacket and displayed a badge, leading the victim to believe she was genuine.
Convincingly posing as an ICE agent, Battle allegedly escorted the victim to a vehicle, asserting they were heading to the sheriff’s office. Documents indicate that during the drive, Battle seized the victim’s phone when she attempted to contact her lawyer. The suspect purportedly promised the victim could make a call “when they reached the sheriff’s office.”
Concerns grew when Battle bypassed the sheriff’s office, according to the affidavit. Doubts intensified as the impersonator verbally berated the victim’s husband, suggesting retribution for his supposed actions. This led the victim to question Battle’s authenticity, fueling her fear.
The drive concluded at a local apartment complex, where Battle allegedly directed the victim to room 108, assuring her that ICE agents awaited them. Once there, Battle’s behavior inside the apartment seemingly confirmed the victim’s suspicions. Taking advantage of the chaos, the victim sought assistance from a bystander in the parking lot.
It was through this ally that the victim managed to alert the authorities while Battle briefly retreated. Upon Battle’s return, she was confronted by the good Samaritan, prompting her to leave the scene ultimately.
The victim contacted her husband, who quickly connected the dots, recognizing Battle from the description due to past domestic issues. The husband held a restraining order against Battle dating back two years following alleged aggression at his workplace.
Following swift police action, Battle was apprehended en route to Alabama and remains detained in Bay County Jail. She was already on probation at the time for a separate violent offense.
The case is ongoing as law enforcement investigates the full extent of Battle’s offenses.
