Man wanted for military desertion turns himself in at Canada-U.S. border
A man wanted for deserting the U.S. military 16 years ago was arrested at the border in Buffalo, N.Y. earlier this week.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said officers encountered the 38-year-old American citizen as he crossed the Rainbow Bridge, located near Niagara Falls, on Dec. 3 on foot.
Officials said the traveller claimed to be “turning himself in” for military desertion, defined in U.S. law as leaving the military without permission with the intent to remain away permanently, avoid hazardous duty, or before their notice of resignation has been accepted.
The man, who was not identified, was escorted to secondary inspection by officers who confirmed there was an active warrant out for his arrest.
CBP said the man was taken into custody and turned over to the U.S. Army.
“Our officers work diligently to screen all travelers entering the United States,” Area Port Director Gaetano Cordone said in a news release. “We work closely with several law enforcement agencies to help capture fugitives and ensure they are held accountable for their actions.”
Military desertion is a serious charge in the U.S. and potential punishments can include imprisonment, dishonorable discharge, and even the death penalty in times of war.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'We can live our lives again without worrying': Ontario man relieved after insurance company agrees to pay $620,000 hospital bill
An Ontario man who received a $620,000 medical bill from a Florida hospital is now relieved that his insurance company has reversed its decision and decided to pay the bill.
Mark Carney tells Jon Stewart the Liberal party has 'a chance' after Trudeau's resignation
Days ahead of his expected Liberal leadership campaign launch, former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor Mark Carney says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's decision to step down boosts the party's chance in the next general election.
'It's not going to be good': Ford says Trump's tariffs could cost Ontario 500,000 jobs
Premier Doug Ford says U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs on Canadian goods could result in the loss of 500,000 jobs in Ontario, creating the need for billions of dollars in stimulus spending.
Curler Briane Harris not at fault for anti-doping rule violation, provisional ban lifted
Canadian curler Briane Harris is eligible to return to the sport after an absence of nearly one year.
Calgary homeowner faces challenge after property assessment jumps 60%
Stan Valant, a long-time resident of Calgary's Silver Springs, is baffled by the city's recent assessment of his bi-level home.
Harm reduction advocates hope high court will 'clarify' Canada's 'Good Samaritan' law
Canada's Good Samaritan law, which is meant to shield people from arrest after they seek help for someone in medical distress, is under spotlight in the Supreme Court of Canada.
Why is Spain considering a 100 per cent tax on homes bought by non-EU residents?
Spain is planning a raft of measures to address its brewing housing crisis, including an up to 100% tax on properties bought by non-European Union residents.
Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages, officials say
Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages, two officials involved in the talks said Tuesday. Mediator Qatar said Israel and the Palestinian militant group were at the "closest point" yet to sealing a deal that would bring them a step closer to ending the war.
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, visits hospital where she had cancer treatment
Kate, Princess of Wales, visited a London hospital on Tuesday where she underwent cancer treatment last year to personally thank medics there for their care and support, her office said.