CALIFORNIA FUGITIVE CAPTURED AT WASHINGTON BORDER

US Fed News
February 5, 2008 Tuesday 1:25 AM EST
Blaine, Wash.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border
Protection issued the following press release:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Blaine,
Wash. apprehended Arman Sarkisian, 25, a native of Armenia and a
legal permanent resident of the U.S., Saturday evening at the Peace
Arch crossing. Questioning and queries by CBP officers revealed an
outstanding warrant issued by California authorities on conspiracy
charges.

Sarkisian arrived at Blaine from British Columbia around 5:30
p.m. Saturday. Upon confirmation of the arrest warrant by CBP officers,
Sarkisian was turned over to Whatcom County sheriff’s deputies for
extradition. This apprehension was the direct result of CBP’s increased
use of name queries during primary inspections at border crossings.

"Local communities throughout the United States are safer based on
CBP’s continued vigilance at our nation’s borders," said Peg Fearon,
CBP area port director. "Apprehending felons with outstanding warrants
who attempt to enter the U.S. at our ports of entry is a critical
element of our border security efforts."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within
the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management,
control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the
official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and
terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of
U.S. laws.

Contact: Thomas Schreiber, 360/410-7805.