Law enforcement officials in Florida have arrested a Canadian woman following a traffic stop where she allegedly provided a false name, leading to the discovery of a dozen fraudulent identification cards in her vehicle. The incident, which unfolded in Tampa, was captured on police body camera footage.
Initial Stop and Deception
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister released body camera video from July 29, showing deputies initiating a traffic stop on a vehicle in Tampa. The reason for the stop was reported issues with the vehicle's taillights and tag lights.
During the stop, the driver, identified as 28-year-old Bryce Swanson, initially presented herself as "Brianna Valenzuela." Authorities stated that Swanson first claimed to possess a driver's license but stated she did not have it with her at the time.
Sheriff Chronister commented on the interaction, noting that Swanson later admitted she did not have any identification and had never held a valid driver's license, despite her earlier claim. A subsequent search of her vehicle yielded significant findings.
Discovery of Multiple False Identities
The body camera footage shows a deputy questioning Swanson about her identity and her inconsistent statements. Swanson had informed deputies she was visiting Florida from New York in a rental car.
"I live in New York," Swanson stated. "I'm here in Florida literally just visiting friends and stuff right now."
The deputy then highlighted the discrepancy in her account.
"Your story's not making a lot of sense to me, right?" the deputy observed. "You say you live in New York, but you don't have any ID in New York."
When pressed again on how she could reside in New York without any identification, Swanson responded,
"I've never had a driver's license or anything like that."
Deputies then conducted a search of the vehicle. This search uncovered what investigators described as a collection of fraudulent identification cards. According to Sheriff Chronister, the search revealed "12 driver's licenses with her picture, but different names and dates of birth."
"All these are fake," one deputy can be heard stating in the video before placing Swanson under arrest.
Charges and Immigration Status
Bryce Swanson was subsequently booked into the Orient Road Jail. She faces charges including driving without a valid driver's license and providing a false name to a law enforcement officer.
Authorities also confirmed that Swanson is a Canadian national who had overstayed her visa. Jail records indicate she is currently being held without bond due to an active detainer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).