The 2nd most confusing interchanges in Western New York has struck again and has landed an Indiana resident in some hot water.
If I've said it once, I've said it 100 times, you have to be extremely careful when you are on Porter Ave and/or the I-190 North near the Peace Bridge and Busti exit. One wrong move, or being in the wrong land will have you traveling to visit our Canadian friends just to the north. Now, that might not be a big deal, or it might be a very big deal depending on your circumstances.
On Tuesday, April 5, 2022, a 24-year-old man by the name of Jaylen M. Paredes was driving along and heading towards Niagara Falls, New York when he made the fateful error of turning into the Peace Bridge Plaza by accident. Paredes crossed the Peace Bridge and when he arrived at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) checkpoint, a CBSA Officer discovered a loaded 9mm pistol in his possession. Of course, he was refused entry to Canada and was escorted back across the Peace Bridge to the United States.
Subsequently, CBP officers conducted an investigation and determined the handgun was not lawfully in Paredes' possession.
Our officers continue to remain vigilant, and enforcement focused, removing another illegally possessed firearm from our community... A great job by our officers working alongside our law enforcement partners.
-John Madsen, Acting Director of the Port of Buffalo
Mr. Paredes was processed by CBP officers and turned over to officers from the New York State Police where he was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree, both charges are felonies. At last word, he was being held by the Buffalo Police Department central booking.
I for one can understand how this can happen; not the driving around with an illegal gun part, but making a wrong turn onto the Peace Bridge and ending up in Canada. I have done it a few times; luckily for me I am a proud Nexus holder and cross into Ontario quite often.
Drivers, take this as a cautionary tale and beware when near Porter and the Peace Bridge to be more careful.