An illegal alien from Guatemala arrested in Sumter County claimed he has been living in Florida for five years and gainfully employed in the construction industry.
A deputy observed a red pickup truck being driven by 32-year-old Edilzar Marcelo Velasquez Arreaga north on Main Street in Bushnell around 7:30 p.m. Monday, according to an arrest report from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
The deputy tried to check the registration, but due to it being faded and defaced, he could not see the numbers from 100 feet. So, he stopped the truck at the intersection of Palm Avenue and Etheredge Street. He then tried to explain the reason for the stop to Velasquez Arreaga but had to ask another deputy for help because of a language barrier, the report said.
With another deputy on scene, he was able to get a Guatemalan ID from Velasquez Arreaga. Further investigation revealed he had not obtain a license in any U.S. state or territory. He was not in Florida on a work visa, and he came here illegally. He stated he had been living in the state for about five years and is gainfully employed by G&J Construction as a framer, the report said.
Velasquez Arreaga was subsequently arrested on charge of operating a motor vehicle without valid license and received a written warning for the defaced tag. He was transported to the Sumter County Detention Center and released after posting $150 bond.