ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Authorities say a man wanted on an attempted murder in charge out of Orange County was apprehended in New York.
Ruslan Chernotkach, 48, was taken into custody on Thursday at the Port of Buffalo, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Border agents say he was apprehended after being refused entry into Canada when they learned he was wanted in Orlando. He is being held as a fugitive from justice by Erie County Sheriff’s Office.
On Sunday, March 9, 2025, at around 2:00 a.m., deputies responded to the 7600 block of Clementine Way, regarding a discharged weapon. Upon arrival, deputies met with two adult males who stated another adult male known to them, fired a weapon in their direction. There were no injuries.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office says thee arrest warrant for Chernotkach stems from a gunfire incident on March 9. Deputies say on that day, two men said someone they knew shot at them in the 7600 hundred block of Clementine Way in Orlando.
No one was hurt in the incident.
Chernotkach was identified as the gunman. He now faces a charge of attempted second-degree murder.
Chernotkach, who officials said is a citizen of Ukraine, is awaiting extradition to Florida. Border patrol agents said he is undocumented.
“Our CBP officers continue to perform outstanding work, diligently screening all travelers entering the country including identifying and arresting wanted fugitives,” Buffalo Port Director Gaetano Cordone said in a news release. “This apprehension highlights their commitment as we work alongside our law enforcement partners to bring fugitives of heinous crimes to justice.”
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