Five suspected illegal immigrants were discovered during a routine traffic stop in Belmont County.

But after talking with immigration officials, the department was told to release four of the five passengers.

The driver, Octavio Baez, is being held on theft charges after officials with the sheriff’s department discovered the car was reported stolen in Philadelphia.

The incident happened Sunday night at exit 215 on Interstate 70 eastbound. Deputies said they found five people inside the car, including a mother and a young child.

Investigators said the five people did appear to be illegal immigrants and a translator was brought to the scene.

The other four people in the car were transported to Columbus, where police said they were heading.

The investigation is still ongoing.

-Amy Post, NEWS9