PLATTSBURGH — A French-speaking man who allegedly crossed the border without stopping at U.S. Customs and Border Protection was apprehended early Monday evening.
Traffic spikes placed on the highway stopped the speeding pickup truck between exits 36 and 37, according to Plattsburgh-based State Police.
State Police said the suspect, whose name and nationality was not released, was being processed at the Plattsburgh barracks at about 5:23 p.m.
Shortly after 6 p.m., the man was being questioned by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which State Police said will be the agency to charge the man for his alleged crime at the border.
It is believed the man crossed the border illegally for the second time in the past week, State Police said.
Afternoon traffic on Interstate 87 was stalled for some time as authorities chased the speeding truck believed to be driven by the suspect.
It was unclear if the southbound lanes were officially closed as Clinton County Sheriff's, State Police and Homeland Security reportedly tried to stop the gray pickup as it made its way down from Exit 38.
A witness said a helicopter could also be seen circling for the vehicle.
State Police said they anticipated charging the man with speeding and other traffic infractions.
No further information was available Monday night.
— By Staff Writer Andrea VanValkenburg and Contributing Writer Casey Ryan Vock
