18 detained after traffic stop in Chandler; others flee

by Jack Highberger - Feb. 1, 2011 08:38 AM
The Arizona Republic-12 News Breaking News Team

Authorities have detained 18 suspected illegal immigrants after two vehicles were stopped Tuesday morning in Chandler by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

The two pickups were spotted by a DPS officer following closely on westbound Interstate 10 near Riggs Road. The first vehicle, a white pickup, was pulled over at McQueen Road and Chandler Heights.

The pickup contained 10 men and two women, including a 9-year old girl, authorities' suspect all 12 are illegal immigrants. A second green pickup fled into a field and was found abandon nearby by authorities.

Police were later able to find five men and one woman who they believe to be the only occupants of the second pickup. They were detained on suspicion of being illegal immigrants. Both pickups involved are believed be stolen, according to authorities.

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