U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents from Calais arrested an Iraqi man in Ellsworth who they say overstayed his visa and provided false statements on background check paperwork while attempting to purchase guns, CBP Houlton Sector said in a Facebook post.
The man, who was not publicly identified, allegedly attempted to purchase an AK-47 assault rifle and a 9 mm pistol from a “local business” in Ellsworth, the agency said. He was arrested on Oct. 20.
The investigation that led to the man’s arrest began with the Holden Police Department in Holden, roughly 20 miles north of Ellsworth along Route 1A, Holden Police Chief Eddie Benjamin told the Bangor Daily News. Benjamin declined to share additional information, citing that Border Patrol had taken over the case.
Additional details about the man’s arrest, including where he is currently being held, are unclear. A spokesperson for the Houlton Sector did not immediately respond to questions about the investigation.
