BUFFALO, N.Y. - On December 2, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the Rainbow Bridge port of entry had just finished their shift and were walking to their cars when they encountered a lone male in the nearby New York state park yelling “Policia” and stated that he had just been robbed.
The officers witnessed the man attempting to hold onto the suspect who pulled away and began to flee the park on foot.
Four CBP officers pursued on foot and apprehended the suspect near the Hyatt Place Hotel, Niagara Falls where he was placed in handcuffs and transported back to the Rainbow Bridge.
The CBP officers contacted the New York Parks Police who responded to the bridge, took custody of the suspect and charged him with robbery second-degree and harassment second-degree.
“CBP officers work to protect the public, even when not on duty,” said Area Port Director Cary Frieling. “These officers responded quickly to a tourist who was in distress, prevented the victim from being harmed any further, and apprehended the robbery suspect. I’m proud of their efforts. We work very closely with the New York State Park Police who responded and took the suspect into custody.”
The victim, a 41-year-old citizen of Guatemala, was reunited with his family, all of whom were visiting Niagara Falls on vacation.
Major Clyde Doty, Commander, New York State Park Police – Western District said, “This is another successful example of the New York State Park Police and U.S. Customs and Border Protection regularly interacting, sharing information and assisting one another where possible. We will continue to work together to become a force multiplier, protecting all who visit the New York State Parks System, and all citizens of New York State.”
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