A Utah truck driver was arrested after police discovered two young girls locked inside his refrigerated trailer while responding to a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 15 in Lindon.
Jacob Ortell Scott, 28, was driving a tractor-trailer when one of its tires detached and rolled over a barrier, striking two vehicles and causing minor injuries, according to the Utah Highway Patrol. Moments later, a separate semi-truck rear-ended a nearby passenger car, triggering a chain-reaction crash involving several vehicles, including Scott’s rig.
While assessing the scene, a trooper noticed “two sets of eyes” peering through the slats of Scott’s trailer, according to court documents. When questioned, Scott appeared “surprised” before admitting there were children inside.
Troopers forced open the refrigerated trailer and found two girls, ages 12 and 14, trapped inside. The trailer had been outfitted with bedding, but had no internal mechanism to allow the girls to exit on their own. The thermostat was set at 30 degrees Fahrenheit—cold enough to risk hypothermia.
Investigators estimate the girls had been locked inside for approximately two hours. While their exact medical condition was not disclosed, both were well enough to be interviewed by the Utah State Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Child and Family Services.
According to Lt. Cameron Roden of the Utah Highway Patrol, the girls were Scott’s half-sisters and were not believed to be victims of human trafficking. Nonetheless, the circumstances led authorities to arrest Scott on suspicion of third-degree felony aggravated child abuse.
He is currently being held without bail at the Utah County Jail. Judge Sean Petersen ordered the detention, citing “substantial evidence” that Scott posed a significant danger to the public.