A video circulating online showing people climbing out of the back of a moving truck sparked widespread speculation into human trafficking.
But local law enforcement officials in Georgia have debunked that theory, clarifying the individuals — two families totaling eight people, including two children — were not in any danger. They were simply relocating from Alabama to Maryland for a new job opportunity.
That didn’t mean the passengers got away with not wearing a seatbelt, however.
The driver was cited for allowing passengers to ride in the back without seatbelts.
Gwinnett police reported that they interviewed everyone in the van and ultimately took them to a nearby business to arrange safer transportation to Maryland.
The video garnered millions of views online, with many viewers initially believing that the passengers were victims of trafficking.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
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