U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Peace Bridge border crossing in Buffalo, New York, have apprehended a Venezuelan citizen wanted for attempted murder. The individual, Jose Manuel Salas-Gimenez, was stopped after being denied entry into Canada.
Upon inspection at the primary checkpoint, CBP officers discovered through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) that Salas-Gimenez had an active felony arrest warrant issued by the City of Aurora Police Department in Colorado. The charges include Attempted Murder and Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
Following his arrest, Salas-Gimenez was moved to a secondary examination area for further investigation. CBP officers confirmed his identity and coordinated with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office to verify the active warrants.
Buffalo Port Director Gaetano Cordone commented on the situation: “I am proud of the outstanding work of our CBP officers who are committed to keeping our country safe. Effectively leveraging our national law enforcement resources allows our officers to identify and apprehend these wanted fugitives.”
After processing by CBP officers, Salas-Gimenez was handed over to the Buffalo Police Department and is currently held by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office as a Fugitive from Justice while awaiting extradition.
CBP remains vigilant as America's largest law enforcement organization tasked with protecting national borders on land, air, and sea while facilitating lawful travel and trade.