BUFFALO, N.Y. —
A man was arrested at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing on Monday after he was allegedly found to have an active arrest warrant out of New Jersey for negligent manslaughter, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Officials said Malakai McRay, 22, of New Jersey, is accused of negligent manslaughter with a weapon out of Essex County.
McRay was attempting to enter the country on a commercial bus when officials found him in the National Crime Information Center, CBP said. A secondary inspection confirmed his identity and the warrant.
McRay was turned over to New York State Police and is currently being held at the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office awaiting extradition back to New Jersey.
According to CBP officials, the man presented his identification and travel documents without incident. However, when officers conducted a standard check through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and other law enforcement databases, they were immediately alerted to an active arrest warrant for manslaughter issued in Essex County, New Jersey.
“CBP officers acted quickly and professionally to detain a wanted individual facing a serious criminal charge,” said Rose Brophy, Director of Field Operations for CBP’s Buffalo Field Office. “This case highlights the crucial role our frontline personnel play in supporting national security and public safety at our borders.”
The suspect was taken into custody without incident and turned over to the Niagara Falls Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service. He is currently being held at the Niagara County Jail awaiting extradition to New Jersey, where he will face legal proceedings related to the manslaughter charge.
While authorities have not released extensive details about the New Jersey case, law enforcement sources familiar with the matter said the charge stems from a violent altercation that occurred earlier this year in Newark. The suspect is accused of fatally injuring a 29-year-old man during a dispute outside a bar. The victim later died at a local hospital due to blunt force trauma.
Following an initial investigation, authorities issued a warrant for the suspect’s arrest in March. However, he reportedly fled the state shortly after the incident and was believed to be traveling between the U.S. and Canada using secondary identities and rental vehicles.
“The individual was considered a flight risk,” said an Essex County prosecutor who requested anonymity due to the active status of the case. “Thanks to the cooperation between federal agencies and local law enforcement, we are now a step closer to justice for the victim and his family.”
The Rainbow Bridge, which connects Niagara Falls, New York, to Niagara Falls, Ontario, is one of the busiest pedestrian and vehicle crossings between the U.S. and Canada. The bridge sees thousands of travelers each day and is a frequent route for tourists and commercial vehicles alike.
CBP officers stationed at the Rainbow Bridge are responsible for inspecting all travelers and ensuring that individuals entering the U.S. do not pose a threat to public safety or violate immigration or criminal laws. Officers routinely scan for stolen vehicles, illegal contraband, immigration violations, and criminal fugitives, often relying on real-time information sharing with national and international law enforcement databases.
“This arrest is a perfect example of how effective our border enforcement protocols are when combined with interagency collaboration,” said a CBP spokesperson. “Our officers are not just checking passports — they are actively helping to keep dangerous individuals off American streets.”
News of the arrest has sparked a mix of relief and concern among residents in both New Jersey and Niagara Falls. While some are grateful that a fugitive was caught, others have raised questions about how he managed to flee the state and travel internationally while under an active warrant.
Legal experts say that the suspect will likely be extradited to New Jersey within the coming weeks, where he will be arraigned and given the opportunity to enter a plea. If convicted of manslaughter, he could face a prison sentence ranging from 10 to 30 years, depending on the specific charges and aggravating factors.
The case remains under investigation, and CBP has not ruled out the possibility of additional charges or individuals being involved in helping the suspect evade authorities.
As of Friday afternoon, no attorney had publicly come forward to represent the suspect, and court dates have not yet been announced.
