Man detained after crossing river in canoe (Watertown Daily Times)

Man detained after crossing river in canoe
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010

OGDENSBURG — A man from Gatineau, Quebec, crossed the icy St. Lawrence River in a canoe early Tuesday to reach shore illegally at Ogdensburg, but his journey on land was stopped short because he was in a car with loud exhaust, according to state police.

Francois A. Michaud, 43, was taken into custody early Tuesday afternoon on Route 12 in the town of Alexandria and was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Wellesley Island to be charged with illegal entry into the United States.

His driver, Alain Dagenais, 48, also of Gatineau, was cited with having loud exhaust, following too closely and having a covered license plate.

Trooper John J. Poggi III halted the vehicle shortly after 1:15 p.m., and questioned the two men about their activity south of the border. He said he learned that Mr. Michaud had crossed in a canoe, allegedly stolen in Prescott, Ontario, because he previously had been denied admission to the United States because of a criminal record. He subsequently rendezvoused with Mr. Dagenais, the trooper said.

Ogdensburg police found the canoe and were assisting Ontario Provincial Police in their theft investigation.