Suspect in custody after 7 human trafficking victims found in vehicle near Cleveland Co.

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Edgar Ortiz 

By WBTV Web Staff | November 19, 2019 at 6:19 PM EST - Updated November 20 at 1:04 AM

CLEVELAND COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) - Troopers say a suspect was taken into custody hours after after seven human trafficking victims were found inside a vehicle near Cleveland County Tuesday afternoon.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the incident happened during a traffic stop on I-85 near Mile Marker 8 when troopers pulled over a gray Toyota Sequoia.

https://www.wmbfnews.com/2019/11/20/suspect-custody-after-human-trafficking-victims-found-vehicle-cleveland-co/?fbclid=IwAR1QTBUwOY3cGwsYrIrdntvnL3gqzJmzfidt_6s2YsXB4QOzAatcIzi_3nI

When officers looked inside the SUV, they found seven people who were later determined to be victims of human trafficking. In addition to this, troopers also found methamphetamines and other illegal substances inside the vehicle.

The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Edgar Ortiz, initially fled the scene, but was apprehended and taken into custody later Tuesday night.