A Panama City woman has been arrested on multiple felony charges. According to her arrest report, she pretended to be an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent and abducted her former partner’s spouse. Latronce Battle, 31, was taken into custody after the horrific April 10 attack. Those charges against him include kidnapping, false impersonation of an officer while committing a felony, and robbery.
On that day, Battle targeted the victim, who was in a vulnerable position working at the front desk of a Days Inn hotel. She came heavily covered, dressed all in black and in a white face mask. In her other hand, she waved a “Sheriff’s Office” card, thus identifying herself as an ICE agent. Crediting Battle’s assertions, the victim thought she had no choice but to follow when threatened with being made to leave by her.
The Disturbing Encounter
Throughout the incident, Battle wielded a two-way radio, conveying the appearance that she was directing other ICE officers. This strategy was meant to induce terror and obedience in the target.
Once they had the hotel in their rearview mirror, Battle fired them up. He told them they were driving to an apartment where ICE agents were waiting. The victim as soon as turned sceptical. Then it struck her that they were driving the wrong way past the actual sheriff’s office.
In a sudden escalation, Battle forcibly took the victim’s cell phone, refusing to return it, which heightened the victim’s fear and anxiety. It was then that the victim started to get the full picture of what was happening.
“I thought she was an ICE agent,” the victim said. “But I grew suspicious and frightened as we drove further away.”
Legal Proceedings
After her arrest, Latrance Battle made her first appearance in court on April 12. As a result of her actions, she now faces multiple felony charges. Authorities are sending out a clear message about the deadly consequences of pretending to be law enforcement officers.
Notably, the investigation revealed that Battle was staying in the same apartment complex as the victim’s spouse. Most importantly, is that he has an injunction against her. This connection already raises alarming questions about Battle’s intentions and relating to the family.
Battle is set to appear for arraignment on May 29, when she will be formally charged before a judge in court. Law enforcement officials have warned that those pretending to be police will “face the wrath” for doing so.
Community Response
The deeply troubling circumstances surrounding this incident have reverberated throughout the local community. Thousands of residents have signed a petition and raised alarm over their safety, with fear that it could happen to them any day.
Law enforcement leaders encourage community members to stay alert and report any unusual activity right away. Second, they have all mendaciously assured the public that impersonating an officer is a minor crime with little legal consequence compared to what they were doing.
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