THUNDER BAY -- A 23-year-old American who told police he sneaked into Canada about a week ago is facing assault charges after allegedly striking two police officers.
Thunder Bay Police, in a release issued on Monday, say they responded a report of an unwanted male behind the Home Depot store at the Thunder Centre at about 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Upon arrival the accused told police he had walked into Canada from Minnesota and upon confirming there was no record of legal entry with the Canada Border Services Agency, he was subsequently arrested.
Upon arrival at police headquarters on Balmoral Street, the man became combative, allegedly striking two officers and uttering threats. It took several officers to subdue the man.
Ashton Cole Pochatko faces charges of assault times two, uttering threats and mischief under $5,000. He remains in custody with a future court date and is also under investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency.
The full release can be read below:
NEWS RELEASE
THUNDER BAY POLICE SERVICE
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A 23-year-old American man is facing charges following a confrontation with TBPS officers last night.
TBPS Uniform Patrol officers, along with an IMPACT (Integrated Mobile Police Assessment Crisis Team) member responded to a call regarding an unwanted male behind the Home Depot at the Thunder Centre just before 9:00 p.m. Sunday night. When officers arrived, the male was spoken to and claimed to have walked from Minnesota into Canada approximately 1 week ago. Further investigation revealed that there was no record of his entry to Canada according to the Canada Border Services Agency. The man was subsequently arrested.
Upon arrival at the TBPS, the male became combative with officers as they attempted to bring him into the facility. It took the efforts of several officers to gain control of the man. During the evening, the male struck two of the officers and uttered threats.
23-year-old Ashton Cole POCHATKO is an American citizen and has been charged with:
• Assaulting a Peace Officer (2 counts)
• Uttering Threats
• Mischief Under $5,000
POCHATKO remains in custody with a future court date. He is also under investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency.
