A man from the United States was arrested early Wednesday morning while allegedly trying to enter Canada illegally by kayak. LaSalle Police Service reported that the incident occurred around 1 a.m. ET in the 1800 block of Front Road, which runs along the Detroit River.

An officer was conducting routine commercial property checks when he noticed the man at the water's edge. The individual had two backpacks and a kayak. Upon investigation, the officer confirmed that the man was attempting to cross the border illegally.

The 51-year-old man was detained and subsequently handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for further investigation. The RCMP is responsible for border security outside of official entry points. A spokesperson for the RCMP did not provide immediate comments regarding the case.

LaSalle Police Chief Michael Pearce commended the officer's diligence in making the discovery. "This is an outstanding example demonstrating that proactive police work can yield unintended positive outcomes," Pearce stated. He added that the officer likely did not expect to find someone attempting to enter Canada during a routine property check.

The Detroit River serves as a natural border between Ontario and Michigan. LaSalle is located just south of Windsor, which is part of the greater metropolitan area. The Ambassador Bridge, located approximately nine kilometers from where the man was arrested, is a key connection between Windsor and Detroit. A new bridge, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, opened last year to further facilitate cross-border travel.