On May 27, 2024, Corporal Zack Steward of the Hopkins County Sheriff's Office was on patrol near Hillcrest Drive when he noticed a green Dodge Dakota pickup truck swerving out of its lane. Running the license plate, Steward discovered the registration had expired, prompting him to initiate a traffic stop at the Pilot Truck parking area.
Approaching the vehicle, Steward saw a white female passenger trying to exit through the window, claiming to have been kidnapped. Understanding the gravity, Steward called for backup. Deputy Murray and DPS Troopers arrived as Steward began removing the driver. With Trooper Rodriguez providing translation, all occupants were safely removed.
The female passenger recounted being offered a ride by Nelson Rodriguez-Ortiz, who instead drove her to a trailer park and picked up two others. Despite her pleas to stop and inability to open the door due to removed locks, they continued driving. Rodriguez-Ortiz was questioned, revealing signs of intoxication. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests conducted later led to his arrest for DWI 2nd offense and Unlawful Restraint.
