Naked man apprehended at the border

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Last Wednesday evening, Oct. 13, 2010, a 20 year old Allen Lee Oestrich, of Rochester, Minnesota man was detained at Rainy River’s port of entry.
He was taken into custody at Rainy River Customs (Canada Border Services Agency) for running the port of entry in Fort Frances and Rainy River. Running the port is effectively not stopping to be questioned by a Border Services Officer at the Primary Inspection Booth.
Chris Kealey of CBSA explained that the individual was in Canada when Oesterich attempted to cross the border at Fort Frances, Ont. on Wednesday. However, he changed his mind and turned around and ran the port there.
The man then drove to Rainy River where he attempted to cross back into the U.S. again but again changed his mind and ran the port in Rainy River.
Later that evening he returned to Canadian customs to ask for directions where officers asked him if he was the person that had run the port earlier and he admitted to it. He was then taken into custody around 6 p.m. While in custody he removed his clothing and early the next morning he broke out of the area where he was being held. Oesterich jumped through a window and attempted to cross into the U.S. with only handcuffs on.Oestrich injured himself while escaping.
Brian King, Public Affairs Liaison with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, told the Record Monday, “Officers at Baudette were alerted by Canadian officers that an unclothed subject was fleeing across the bridge.” U.S. officers then successfully apprehended the man and later turned him over to the City of Baudette police. He received medical attention for severe cuts he sustained while escaping.
King noted that there were no outstanding warrants for the individual but he was in violation of an assigned probation. “The parole officer was out of Rochester, Minnesota,” said King.
U.S. CBP did not lay any charges and no charges have yet been laid by Canadian CBSA. However, the Canadian side said Monday that the incident is still under investigation.
Baudette City Police charged Oesterich with Indecent Exposure and 4th Degree Assault. He is not in custody at this time due to treatment of his injuries at Bemidji Regional Hospital.
Baudette U.S. CBP Director Shelly Kraft said, “This arrest demonstrates the excellent and continued working relationship between CBSA and CBP.”