Police nab teen in U.S. illegally
A 16-year-old boy who is in the United States illegally was taken into custody early Wednesday by South Strabane Township police at a Racetrack Road gas station.
Police were initially called to the BP station for a report the 16-year-old, originally from El Salvador, was dropped off by friends who never returned for him. Police had difficulty understanding him because of the language barrier.
The 16-year-old was taken to the station and Washington County Children and Youth Services was contacted. It was determined the boy was in the country illegally. He told police he had run away from his uncle in Beaver Falls and was trying to get to New Jersey so he could live with his brother.
Police later found a sport utility vehicle in the station lot that the boy had apparently taken without his uncle’s permission. The key was on the front seat of the vehicle reported stolen to police in Economy Borough.
Police also learned he was under removal proceedings by the U.S. Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services. He was released to a department representative.