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Man crossing Lewiston-Queenston bridge leads police on high-speed chase, assaults officer

Posted at 6:21 PM, Dec 14, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-14 18:22:39-05

BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — A Canadian man faces multiple charges after he sped through a border inspection checkpoint, led police on a high-speed chase and assaulted an officer on Monday, December 10th.

According to the United States Attorney for the Western District of New York, 23-year-old Feng Chen of Ontario, Canada, was arrested and charged with assaulting a federal officer by means of a dangerous weapon, evading a checkpoint operated by a Federal law enforcement agency in a motor vehicle in excess of the legal speed limit, and with eluding inspection by immigration officials.

Chen produced a passport when he was crossing the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge around 2:30 p.m. December 10th, but when the officer asked for his citizenship and destination, he sped through the inspection checkpoint.

Officials say he then led police on a high-speed chase, weaving in and out of traffic, which continued on to Grand Island.

A New York State Police vehicle with activated emergency lights pulled in front of Chen in an attempt to stop his vehicle, Chen rammed the rear of the vehicle and then came to a stop.

Following the collision, officers attempted to remove Chen from his vehicle when Chen struck a Customs Border Patrol Officer in the face causing a cut to the side of the officers face.

According to authorities, Chen has no valid immigration status in the United States and is present illegally, in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

“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 is being held pending a detention hearing on December 18th.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.

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