Trooper performing routine traffic stop on highway pulled over a car—ended up saving a teen human trafficking victim
Trigger Warning: This story contains themes of child trafficking that some readers may find distressing.
An Ohio State Highway Patrolman, Mitch Ross, heroically managed to save a 15-year-old from being trafficked, per KSNT News. The officer had initially stopped the vehicle’s motorist for a violation but his suspicions grew stronger. His smart and vigilant investigation spilled the truth and he was able to save the young girl. Footage shared by WKYC Channel 3 revealed the officer’s sharp observation and response. He is receiving applause for identifying trouble and acting in time. The officer initially stopped the driver of a 2013 Nissan Sentra for a failure to move over violation on the Ohio Turnpike. On approaching the vehicle, he saw the young girl with an adult man.
The duo was unable to speak English. “She looks like she’s under 18; she can’t identify herself,” the officer noted, as captured in the video. He added that the man, being 35 in addition to the unusual situation, was “good enough to hold an investigation.” The officer can be seen taking the girl aside and trying to communicate. It was later identified that they were of El Salvadoran descent. A translator was called and the officer’s guess turned out to be right. It was revealed that the girl was being taken from Chicago to New Jersey. She was reportedly forced to perform acts on the man.
According to data shared by the United Nations’ Homeland Security, around 27.6 million people are victims of trafficking worldwide. Out of this, 78% are women and girls who are victims of sex trafficking. A majority of the population, including boys and men, is trafficked into forced labor, too. It is extremely crucial to be on the lookout, as these operations often take place in mundane scenarios. In March 2025, the United Nations experts addressed the increasing rate of crime against children, including trafficking.
“We are particularly concerned by reports of children disappearing, being abducted or trafficked and recruited for use in combat by all parties to the conflict,” experts said. There needs to be an added awareness and vigilance when it comes to children and youngsters. According to the U.S. Department of State, traffickers are not just strangers; they can also be relatives, friends and other close connections. In many cases, victims cannot be saved. If they are, they go through immense trauma that wreaks havoc on their lives. It is incredibly crucial to be watchful, just like Officer Ross and speak up in case of something unusual.
On further investigation, it was learned that the 15-year-old was a missing juvenile from New Jersey. The man was arrested and the girl was sent to medical care for a checkup. It was just a regular traffic stop. The man was asked to pull over for a violation, but the officer’s suspicion and follow-up helped save the girl. Had it not been for Officer Ross’s alertness and astute action, the girl would have suffered brutal consequences. People praised the man for his sharp skills. @PepperRSun said, “What amazing troopers! That’s so amazing, we need more people like these troopers.” @SlightReturn666 added, “Kudos to you, officer, for saving this girl.”
If you are being subjected to sexual assault, or know of anyone who is, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673)