A man is accused of trafficking a woman out of a home in Laurel, Maryland, for months and trying to hide in a crawl space when he couldn’t get away. Police say they were able to get the victim to safety.
Body camera footage shows Laurel Police Department officers’ encounter with the suspect, Robert Eakins, 31, on Wednesday.
“Hold your hands up! Police!” an officer shouted as they approached the home.
As they worked to serve a warrant, detectives say Eakins tried to hide in the crawl space.
“Ducked back under, tried to come out the other side, and that’s where the officers were waiting for him and they removed that panel in order to take him into custody,” Capt. Stephen Ivory said.
Police used a drone with infrared technology to show movement and look for anyone potentially trying to get away.
Eakins, 31, was initially arrested on an unrelated warrant out of Charles County. He now faces multiple charges, including sex trafficking, prostitution and assault.
Detectives began their investigation about three weeks before the raid after receiving an anonymous tip.
The victim had just left the home at about 6 a.m. to meet with a “client.” Police were able to get her away and offer resources.
Neighbors said they’re concerned. News4 is not showing the address to protect the privacy of others who live there and were not charged.
Investigators say victims are being trafficked online. Traffickers often take advantage of issues with addiction and money, Ivory said.
Police believe the woman was the suspect’s only victim and urge any victim of human trafficking or sex trafficking to come forward.
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