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Posted on 02/03/2006 12:50:51 PM PST by BigSkyFreeper
KALISPELL -- A fugitive who led law enforcement officers on two chases and caused Canadian Customs officers to walk off the job was apprehended Thursday night in a city park here.
Responding to a tip, officers from four agencies surrounded Michael Murphy, 32, who was hiding in the bushes at Kiwanis Park.
Flathead County Sheriff's Sgt. Bob Provo said Murphy tried to run but gave up. He was unarmed.
Earlier Thursday, Canadian Customs officers at the Roosville border crossing in southeastern British Columbia walked off the job over an alert that Murphy might be heading to the border, union spokesman Ron Moran said.
Moran said a border officer received word Wednesday night that Murphy might be headed to Canada from Montana. She was told he might be armed and dangerous.
The officer stayed on the job for fear of being disciplined, he said.
Management responded by telephoning the border guard every 15 minutes, Moran said.
"That's how they decided to deal with it. 'I'll call you every 15 minutes to see if you're alive,' " he said.
A more senior officer came to relieve her Thursday morning, learned of the situation and walked off the job, he said.
Management took over and called in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for backup.
The Canada Border Services Agency has said the guards have the legal right to refuse to work if they believe they are in imminent danger.
As it stands, border guards are supposed to allow anyone suspected of being armed and dangerous into Canada and then call police.
Dan Liebel, local president of the Customs Excise Union, said the situation shows that Canada's border guards need to be armed.
"Here we are caught with no form of protection when somebody comes up with lethal force, this is an armed-dangerous watch for this fellow, so he's armed, we're not. It's embarrassing for us."
The incident began around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, when officers with the Adult Probation and Parole Department, along with Kalispell police, went to Murphy's home in northwest Kalispell to conduct a search.
Murphy has been convicted of two counts of forgery, two counts of theft, deceptive practices and bail jumping, according to the Montana Department of Corrections.
When he saw the officers approaching, he fled in an SUV, Kalispell Police Chief Frank Garner said.
Police ended the chase when Murphy reached speeds of 120 mph.
Murphy then called authorities and said he wouldn't be taken alive, Garner said.
At about 10 p.m. Wednesday, a Montana Highway Patrol officer spotted Murphy, and another pursuit ensued. Garner said a police officer rolled his patrol car during the chase and suffered minor injuries.
That chase ended near Lone Pine State Park, where Murphy abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot.
Huh?
Geez, this has to be a parody. Is the state of law enforcement, and national security for that matter, THIS bad in Canada?
Sad but true.
The most bizarre thing is, Canadian border officials are to remain unarmed.
I'm not getting the warm and fuzzies about Super Bowl Sunday with Dudley Doowrite holding the nothern flank.
Yep. I make the crossing several times a week. Canadian "guards" are unarmed. There was a story out of Wpg this morning. A customer became violent, and was subdued and held down by restaurant staff while they called and waited for police. The main police building was 2 minutes away by foot. It took 1 hour and 40 minutes for police to arrive.
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I, for one, rest easier knowing that the two most famous Whatsamatta U grads are protecting Minnesota, and America from incursions from the North.
Besides, have you seen what that guy can pull out of a hat?
Allow INTO Canada, then call police...lol.
Where can I get a Whatsamatta U sweatshirt?
Or call the police THEN be allowed into Canada. :)
sounds like the UN
Sylvia (gasp) is on Montel's (gasp) but I can't watch it due to weather warning break-in's by the local affiliate...lol.
Just my luck!
Hopefully the Canadian government will rethink this idiotic policy now that this is the second time in as many weeks this sort of thing has happend. Perhaps PM Harper will put the kibosh on this liberal stupidity.
R + B were on the American side of the border!
I can vaguely remember some of the stuff bullwinkle pulled out. :o)
On the plus side, the new Conservative government pledged during the campaign to arm the border guards. Frankly, it's about time - the majority of Canuck guards are ill-trained college students working a summer job. The defense of your nation should mean more than a part-time job at Burger King.
Is this occurring right above you? I didn't pay attention to the article.
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