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U.S. Customs and Border Protection says investigation continues in Tasering of 21-year-old Ogdensburg woman

Posted 5/13/15

By JIMMY LAWTON A spokesperson from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the agency is still investigating an incident that led to the Tasing of a 21-year-old Ogdensburg woman. "U.S. Customs …

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection says investigation continues in Tasering of 21-year-old Ogdensburg woman

Posted

By JIMMY LAWTON

A spokesperson from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the agency is still investigating an incident that led to the Tasing of a 21-year-old Ogdensburg woman.

"U.S. Customs and Border Protection continues to investigate a report from the U.S. Border Patrol's Swanton Sector about an altercation between an individual and two Border Patrol agents at a checkpoint Thursday. The altercation followed a brief verbal exchange between the individual and the two agents regarding their intent to inspect the vehicle,” Shelbe Benson-Fuller said in a prepared statement.

“CBP investigators have analyzed the scene of the incident, are taking statements and have reached out to the individuals involved. Based on preliminary information from the investigation, one of the two agents deployed an electronic control device during the altercation. As standard procedure, Swanton Sector notified the DHS Office of Inspector General after the incident."

Jess Cooke, 21, said she was pulled in for a secondary inspection at Waddington immigration checkpoint after agents said she appeared nervous. Cooke said she refused a search of her trunk and was asked to wait for a K-9 Unit to arrive.

A conversation with agents escalated and Cooke was tackled and Tased after she resisted an agent who had grabbed her after she refused to comply with a request for her to move.

Cooke said she received scrapes and cuts on her legs, back and chest. She said her wrists are also marked from the handcuffs.

Cooke said her car was searched and found to be clean, but she is awaiting potential charges regarding the struggle.

Cooke said she plans to seek legal action against the agency.

Cooke has a two-year degree in criminal justice and graduated Saturday from SUNY Canton for law enforcement leadership with a four-year degree.

Cooke said investigators visited her home while she was attending the graduation ceremony. That visit was captured on a home security camera.