A U.S. citizen was recently arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Buffalo, New York, for possessing a stolen firearm. The incident unfolded on Tuesday, when the man attempted to avoid the inspection process while crossing the Peace Bridge.
The Incident
On Tuesday, the man, driving a vehicle with New York plates, made a sudden U-turn on the Peace Bridge, trying to bypass the usual inspection process. His actions raised suspicion, and federal agents quickly flagged him down. Upon inspection, officers discovered that he was carrying a loaded firearm.
The firearm was further checked, and it was found to have been reported as stolen from Tarpon Springs, Florida, according to the National Crime Information Center database.
Charges and Consequences
Following the discovery of the stolen weapon, the man was escorted to a secondary inspection, where authorities confirmed the firearm’s stolen status. The man, whose identity has not been released, was processed and later handed over to the Buffalo Police Department.
He is now facing charges of criminal possession of a loaded firearm, a serious offense that can lead to severe legal consequences.
Statement from Authorities
Acting Port Director Sharon Swiatek praised the officers for their vigilance and commitment to safety. She highlighted the importance of removing stolen firearms from the streets, noting that such actions could potentially prevent dangerous situations in the community.
“Our officers continue to remain dedicated and vigilant, enforcement focused, and committed to ensuring the safety of our community,” Swiatek said in a statement.
This incident underscores the critical role of U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in safeguarding the community and preventing illegal weapons from circulating.
The arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough inspection processes and law enforcement efforts in maintaining safety at border crossings.
