This seemingly innocent Texas license plate got a man stopped by Mexican soldiers at the border

A man from Weslaco, Texas was driving with his parents Tuesday afternoon over the Donna-Rio Bravo International Bridge across the United States-Mexico border, when he was stopped for what he thought was a routine check. However, he would later learn that the Mexican soldiers stopped him for reasons that were more serious than he could have imagined.

Donna-Rio Bravo International Bridge crossing (KRGV)

As reported by KRGV 5 News, the soldier grilled the man, who requested to remain anonymous, for several minutes. The questions were focused on the letters ‘CNG’ on the man’s license plate.

“What caught their attention was the license plate. You know, he asked me, what did they mean? I honestly did not understand his question. He’s like, why did I choose them?” Unbeknownst to the driver, the letters ‘CNG’ at the beginning of his license plate number were letters that the Mexican army associates with the Cártel Nueva Generación, or New Generation Cartel, a major Mexican drug cartel.

The license plate questioned by Mexican soldiers at the border. (KRGV)

“At that moment you know, I was like, ‘Should I turn back? Should I keep going forward?'” said the Weslaco man. “I could be shot. I could be killed, you know. Or whatever.” He says that he’s now limiting his visits to Mexico. He is also considering using another car for those trips or changing his license plate.

The unidentified man that was stopped at the border for his license plate. (KRGV)

“I’ve never been affiliated with [a drug cartel], and I don’t plan to, you know, be,” the driver said. He hopes his experience will inform drivers who cross into Mexico that soldiers at the border can misinterpret their license plate numbers. KRGV notes that the Mexican army also associates the letters ‘CDG’ with the Cártel del Golfo, or Gulf Cartel.

A representative with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles told the station that they have received calls in the past from drivers concerned about license plates with the string of letters, asking why they were issued. According to KRGV, the representative said, “it’s a coincidence.”

Video and more info: KRGV

Crime & JusticeSociety & Culture

View the original article here

Applebee’s waitress asks patron for ID, gets own stolen driver’s license in return

 Priddy's Colorado driver's license (9NEWS)

Imagine you're a waitress, out with friends on a night off, when you lose your wallet. Cash, credit cards, driver's license—all gone. Your bank later informs you that checks are being issued in your name.

It's a pain, but you carry on. Two weeks later, you're at work when four people walk in and sit in your section. They start ordering drinks. You ask to see their IDs. A woman in the group hands a driver's license to you. You look down, and it's yours.

That is precisely what police in Colorado say happened to Brianna Priddy, a server at a Lakewood Applebee's.

Priddy, though, didn't panic.

"I handed it back to her and said, 'Sure, I'll be right back with your margarita,'" she told Denver's NBC affiliate.

[Related: Applebee’s fires waitress who posted receipt from pastor]

Priddy called the police, and tried to act normal while waiting for them to arrive.

"I put on my server smile and tried to take care of them, but I was shaking like crazy," she said.

When police arrived, the woman, whose name has not been released, was arrested on suspicion of theft, identity theft and criminal impersonation. Police also found narcotics in her possession.

"Dumb criminal," Lakewood police spokesman Steve Davis told Denver's 9NEWS. "That's the first thing that comes to mind."

Even dumber: the suspect is 26, Davis said.

Watch a local television interview with Priddy below:

View the original article here