The U.S. Attorney's Office has charged an Ontario man after he sped through a customs inspection checkpoint, led police on a chase, and later assaulted an officer, officials said.
Feng Chen, 23, was charged by criminal complaint with assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, evading/speeding through a federal checkpoint, and eluding inspection by immigration officials.
Officials say this all happened on December 10th around 2:30 p.m.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, Chen was trying to enter the United States at the Lewiston Bridge Port of Entry. He handed over his passport to a Customs and Border Protection officer but did not answer when the officer asked for his destination and citizenship. He then allegedly sped through the checkpoint.
The officer pursued Chen in a marked police vehicle with lights and sirens activated. Officials say Chen was weaving in and out of traffic at an unsafe speed. The chase continued all the way to Grand Island where Chen rammed a New York State Police vehicle that was attempting to stop him, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Officials say after the crash, Chen didn't listen to the CBP officer's commands and punched the officer in the face when he tried to remove Chen from the vehicle. They say Chen has no valid immigration status in the U.S.
“Our officers and state partners did an excellent job ensuring this port runner was apprehended. If you attempt to enter the U.S without inspection we will pursue and apprehend you,” said CBP Buffalo Field Office Director Rose Brophy. “Border security is paramount to our country's safety and it starts with ensuring everyone is properly inspected at the border. I’d like to thank the New York State Police for assisting our officers in the apprehension of the subject.”
Chen had an initial court appearance and is being held pending a detention hearing on December 18th.
Chen faces up to 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.