Police: Smugglers Recruiting Teens

Tuesday , March 11, 2008
Teen Car Thief Leads Police to Illegals at Hotel

Car thief leads officers to group of illegals

MISSION - Police say human smugglers are recruiting teenagers to steal getaway vehicles.

Benjamin Skinner's brand new F-250 was stolen last night. He called the Sheriff's Department and filed a report. This morning, a fellow Winter Texan spotted the stolen truck.

Skinner says, "She called me on the phone, said she was following my truck."

The group of friends called officers. And both police and the Winter Texans followed the stolen truck to a McAllen hotel.

As officers chased the 18-year-old suspect, they opened a hotel room door and found a room packed with 19 illegals. The group scattered, but Border Patrol caught up with them. Immigrations and Customs officers are trying to figure out who paid for those hotel rooms.

Police caught the teen driver. He'll be charged with theft.

Officer says finding teenagers to do the dirty work isn't hard, since they have connections in Mexico and need the money.

"It's very easy for coyotes to recruit and entice them to transport vehicles," says Martin Garza of the Mission Police Department.

Meanwhile, Skinner says all of it is disappointing.

"I love this country down here. I love it, but it's scary down here," the Winter Texas says. "Here we are with my truck. I've got it back. I'm going to Illinois as soon as possible."

www.newschannel5.tv