Alburgh, Vt.— On Jan. 15, a U.S. Border Patrol agent assigned to the Swanton Station arrested a Massachusetts man soon after breaking into a residence near the border.
“This is a great example of our integration with state and local law enforcement partners,” said Patrol Agent in Charge Anthony Bianco. “I commend my agents for rapidly responding to situations in the communities we serve along the border, and ensuring the safety of the officers and the public involved.”
At approximately, 6:00 PM, the Swanton Sector’s Tactical Operations Communication Center received a request for assistance from the Vermont State Police at a residence on Greenwoods Road, where a man was complaining about another man who was refusing to leave the home, after breaking into it.
While driving to the location, an agent encountered a man walking near the intersection of Boutah and Greenwoods road that fit the description given by the Vermont State Police. The agent stopped his vehicle, identified himself, and began questioning the walker. The man produced a Massachusetts identification card, and record checks revealed previous arrests for distributing drugs, larceny, and assault with a dangerous weapon.
The man was arrested by the Border Patrol agent after checks also revealed an active warrant. Custody was subsequently transferred to a Vermont State Police Trooper and the man is being charged with attempted burglary, a felony by Grand Isle County Sheriff’s department.
The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.
One of the objectives of the U.S. Border Patrol’s strategic Plan is to engage the public to assist us in securing America’s borders. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity in the border area to the U.S. Border Patrol at 1-800-689-3362.
For more on CBP’s mission at our nation’s ports of entry with CBP officers and along U.S. borders with Border Patrol agents, please visit the Border Security section of the CBP website.