Man arrested in stolen luxury vehicle stopped at Peace Bridge

Brent Jones
August 21, 2025 at 4:33 PM

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers arrested a 33-year-old U.S. citizen at the Peace Bridge after he attempted to drive a stolen luxury vehicle into Buffalo from Fort Erie.

The arrest happened Wednesday when CBP officers encountered a driver operating a 2023 BMW XM valued at about $100,000.

The stolen vehicle recovered at the Peace Bridge border crossing on Wednesday. Credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

According to a CBP news release, officers noticed discrepancies with the vehicle identification number located beneath the windshield and directed the driver and vehicle to a secondary inspection area.

During the secondary examination, officers confirmed through the National Crime Information Center that the BMW matched one reported stolen back in May.

“Thanks to the outstanding work of our CBP officers and their strict attention to detail, a stolen vehicle was recovered and will be returned to its rightful owner,” Acting Area Port Director Sharon Swiatek said in the release.

“Their quick action prevented the illegal export of stolen property and reinforces our commitment to secure our borders and support our law enforcement partners,” Swiatek added.

The driver was taken into custody. He and the vehicle were turned over to New York State Police, where he faces felony stolen vehicle charges.

CBP said the vehicle will be returned to its owner.