More than a dozen immigrants found in van in NC

CHARLOTTE -- North Carolina troopers stopped a van packed with immigrants after a man called to say his cousin had been kidnapped. Multiple media outlets reported the van was stopped Monday just off Interstate 85 near Kannapolis. Investigators say family members were waiting along I-85 in Charlotte for a male relative apparently arriving from Mexico. Highway Patrol Sgt. Garrett Barger says when the family couldn't pay all the money the driver wanted, he would not allow the man to leave the van. A cousin reported a kidnapping and followed the van, relaying its location to troopers. Officials say there were 18 people in the van, including the driver and an associate. Barger says those in the van and were turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to determine their status. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)