BUFFALO, N.Y. — A man who had an active arrest felony warrant for strongarm rape was arrested Thursday at the Peace Bridge.
Bereket Mengesha, a 46-year-old male Ethiopian citizen and lawful U.S. permanent resident, was entering the United States on a commercial bus. Its destination was Maryland, where Mengesha lives.
An inspection showed that Mengesha had a felony warrant for strongarm rape of a minor from Rockville, Md. The charge is considered a first-degree felony in Maryland.
"Further investigation to confirm the warrant also discovered an additional charge for sexual abuse of a minor, which is also a felony in the State of Maryland," according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which announced news of the arrest Friday afternoon.
Customs and Border Protection agents said he was turned over to the Buffalo Police Department, following processing and warrant confirmation with the Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland. The federal agency said he's being held by the Erie County Sheriff's Office and is awaiting extradition.
A search of the New York State electric court filing system showed that Mengesha is scheduled to make an Erie County Court appearance on Tuesday, May 7.
"Our highly trained and motivated CBP officers are an essential element in bringing fugitives like this to justice. Strong relationships with our law enforcement partners continues to be vital to keeping our communities safe," Buffalo Port Director Gaetano Cordone said in a statement.
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