A Massena man was sentenced Friday to two years in federal prison after leading police on a high-speed chase while transporting four illegal aliens from Canada.
Peter Buckshot, 28, received the sentence in Syracuse, announced United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Robert N. Garcia, Chief Patrol Agent for the United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.
Buckshot previously pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an October 1 incident. That day, he picked up four Vietnamese citizens who had just crossed the U.S.-Canada border illegally. Around noon, the New York State Police tried to stop Buckshot for speeding in Westville, but he refused to pull over.
Instead, Buckshot led officers on a dangerous chase, reaching speeds of 80 miles per hour in a 30 mph zone and 100 mph in a 55 mph zone. During the pursuit, he drove over a sidewalk to evade capture, failed to stop at a stop sign, used road shoulders, and passed other vehicles unsafely. The chase ended when Buckshot crashed into a tree in Fort Covington. No injuries were reported.
After the crash, the four aliens fled the scene on foot but were quickly apprehended by authorities. Buckshot has remained in custody since his arrest that same day.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also ordered Buckshot to serve two years of supervised release following his prison term.
The United States Border Patrol and the New York State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer prosecuted it.
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