Routine Traffic Stop Nabs 16

At approx., 6:30 p.m. last night, Deputy Dennis Newman with the Gila Co. Narcotics Task Force Highway Interdication Unit stopped an Ohio plated van, on Highway 87 near the shooting range. During the investigation, he revealed 15 undocumented aliens. The driver & one of the passengers ran from the Deputy. Both were caught by the Gila Co. Sheriff's Office Deputies & K-9 units along with the assistance of the Payson P.D. The Border Patrol was contacted & responded to the Sheriff's Office. Charges for the original traffic violations & human smuggling are pending against the driver.