A Scarborough resident is being held for illegally entering the United States after nearly drowning in rapids on the Niagara River.
Jason Haist, 28, was jet skiing with friends around the Queenston-Lewiston bridge near Niagara-on-the-Lake Saturday when he ended up in the swirling water. His lungs filled with water and he was knocked unconscious. His cousin, Edward Haist, 21, tried to save him, but couldn’t get to Jason.
Boaters in the area called for help and that’s when the U.S. Coast Guard became involved. Jason was taken to hospital in Lewiston, NY, and Edward was arrested by Border Patrol officials.
Jason was arrested shortly after being discharged from the hospital early Sunday morning.
Both men will remain in custody at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility until they can appear before an immigration judge.
They were charged with failure to report on landfall in the United States and were scheduled to appear in a closed hearing today (Monday).