Niagara Falls, N.Y. (WBEN) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Buffalo, Rainbow Bridge border crossing arrested a United States citizen wanted by the U.S. Army for military desertion.
Officers encountered a 38-year-old United States citizen entering the country on the pedestrian walkway on Tuesday, claiming to be "turning himself in" for military desertion. The traveler was escorted to secondary inspection for verification.
During the examination, officers verified the identity of the man, while discovering he had an active National Crime Information Center U.S. Army warrant for deserting 16 years ago.
"Our officers work diligently to screen all travelers entering the United States," said Area Port Director Gaetano Cordone. "We work closely with several law enforcement agencies to help capture fugitives and ensure they are held accountable for their actions."
The deserter was taken into custody, processed by CBP officers, and turned over to U.S. Army personnel from the Fort Liberty, North Carolina Provost Marshal’s Office.