Fake Lowe’s Truck Found In Texas with 17 Hidden Migrants Crammed Inside

A lowe’s truck found with 17 hidden migrants in Texas. The truck driver was arrested for human smuggling in a cloned vehicle posing as a Lowe’s delivery truck.

Cloned Lowe’s Truck Found, Used to Smuggle Migrants in Texas

In a recent incident in Kinney County, Texas, state troopers uncovered a dangerous human smuggling operation. KSAT reported a truck disguised to look like a Lowe’s delivery vehicle was used to transport 17 migrants hidden inside.

17 Migrants Found in a Cloned Truck

On August 30, 2024, Texas troopers stopped a truck that looked like a normal Lowe’s vehicle. However, upon closer inspection, they found 17 migrants, including 13 men and 4 women, hidden inside a secret compartment. The compartment had no air circulation, and some of the migrants had to be treated for dehydration.

Driver Arrested for Human Smuggling

The truck’s driver, Megel Patterson, a 28-year-old from Jackson, Mississippi, was arrested. He was charged with human smuggling causing serious injury. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) described the truck as a “cloned” vehicle, meaning it was made to look like a commercial Lowe’s truck, but it was used for smuggling.

Officer’s Actions Prevented a Tragedy

“When the trooper made contact with the driver, the trooper noticed there were some discrepancies with the driver, with the truck itself,” Lieutenant Christopher Olivarez from Texas DPS South explained. After searching the truck, they found the hidden compartment. “I can tell you for certain that trooper prevented a mass casualty smuggling event,” Olivarez said.

Cloned Trucks Becoming a Problem

This isn’t the first time a cloned vehicle has been used in a smuggling operation. Earlier in August 2024, a Safelite truck was also found transporting people illegally. “It’s very dangerous when anybody is involved in human smuggling,” Olivarez said. He emphasized the severe consequences, especially if people die during the process.

Migrants Sent to U.S. Border Patrol

All 17 migrants were handed over to U.S. Border Patrol. Authorities are continuing to investigate, and DPS officers remain committed to stopping illegal smuggling and keeping people safe.