(WNY News Now) – A routine asylum denial at the U.S.-Canada border escalated into a physical confrontation, leaving a federal officer injured and a Russian national facing serious charges.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – A Russian woman, Olesia Sumina, 43, has been arrested and charged with assaulting a federal officer at the Peace Bridge Point of Entry in Buffalo. The charge, announced by U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, could result in up to eight years in prison if she is convicted.

The incident unfolded on October 9, 2024, after Sumina and her two children were refused asylum by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). CBSA officers transported Sumina to the U.S. side of the Peace Bridge, notifying U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that she had been uncooperative during transit, even spitting inside the CBSA vehicle.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Henning, CBP officers attempted to interview Sumina using a translation app, but communication broke down, and Sumina refused to provide her personal information. The situation escalated when officers tried to access her cellphone. Sumina grabbed the device and placed it in her pocket, becoming physically aggressive when officers attempted to retrieve it. During the struggle, Sumina clawed at one officer’s wrists, leaving them with visible injuries. The officer received medical care on-site and was later taken to the hospital for further treatment.

The investigation is being led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, directed by Rose Brophy, and Homeland Security Investigations, under Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. Sumina remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.

The charges against Sumina are accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.