Woman escapes custody downtown; search ensues

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November 4, 2009

By CASEY RYAN VOCK The Press Republican Thu Nov 05, 2009, 05:01 AM EST

PLATTSBURGH — A major search effort was launched Wednesday night for an Icelandic woman who escaped the federal magistrate's office on Court Street while awaiting arraignment.

City Police, State Police and Plattsburgh State University Police assisted federal agents looking for 42-year-old Linda Bjork Magnusdottir, who was taken into custody by federal agents as an illegal alien, according to a City Police news release.

She was in the process of being arraigned on that charge when she escaped at about 6:30 p.m.

The woman, who was apparently detained for some kind of infraction when she was coming into the country at the Champlain border crossing, allegedly got away when she told authorities that she needed to use the restroom.

The woman is described as white, about 5 feet 10 inches, with long, straight blond hair and a slender build. She was last seen wearing black clothing.

Authorities said the woman is not believed to be dangerous.

Police blocked streets surrounding the Clinton County Government Center and were using a helicopter believed to belong to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to conduct the search.

Police searched various areas throughout the city, including along the Saranac River, near Macdonough Monument, Dock Street and near the intersection of Brinkerhoff and Pleasant streets.

The search was continuing late Wednesday night, and no further information was released.

Anyone with information on Magnusdottir is asked to call Plattsburgh City Police at 563-3411.

— Staff Writer Joe LoTemplio contributed to this report.