PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL – A Florida woman faces serious charges after allegedly posing as a federal agent to abduct her ex-boyfriend’s wife. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 52-year-old Latrance Battle, charging her with robbery by sudden snatching, kidnapping, and impersonating a law enforcement officer.
According to authorities, the incident unfolded on April 10 at a Days Inn in Panama City Beach, where the victim was approached by a woman claiming to be a law enforcement officer. The victim described how the suspect, later identified as Battle, wore clothing mimicking that of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, complete with a shirt imprinted with “ICE,” and had a face mask and sunglasses obscuring her identity.
The victim said Battle showed a card purportedly from the sheriff’s office, convincing her to leave her workplace under the guise of official duty. Once outside, Battle allegedly drove the victim away, promising to take her to a sheriff’s office. However, doubts arose when Battle bypassed the expected location, raising the victim’s suspicion.
During the drive, the victim attempted to contact legal representation using her phone, but said Battle forcibly took her phone, preventing communication. Battle reportedly assured her that she could make one phone call upon arrival at the sheriff’s office.
The victim’s unease grew as Battle continuously communicated via a handheld radio, creating the illusion of interacting with other “ICE agents.” Battle diverted their destination to an apartment complex, remarking disparagingly about the victim’s husband and implying that the victim was now subject to consequences stemming from her husband’s actions.
Once at the complex, Battle instructed the victim to go inside a specific apartment, claiming ICE agents awaited. Seizing an opportunity as Battle entered the apartment, the victim escaped and sought assistance from a nearby individual in the parking lot, explaining that her phone had been confiscated.
Battle returned momentarily but left again after an altercation with the man assisting the victim. Inside the man’s apartment, the victim contacted her husband, who postulated that the supposed ICE agent matched the description of his ex-girlfriend, Battle. The victim’s husband had a protective order against Battle due to past incidents, including a physical attack at his workplace two years ago.
Law enforcement tracked Battle to her residence, but she was not found there. She was later apprehended while traveling toward Alabama. Battle was on probation at the time for a prior aggravated assault intended to commit a felony and remains detained in the Bay County Jail without bond.
The case highlights the dangers of impersonating law enforcement personnel and underscores the swift action required from police to handle such serious incidents.