FBI Most Wanted suspect captured in Vermont after attempted home break-in, officials say
Nitish Kaushal, 26, was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents near Alburgh, Vermont, on July 16 after authorities said he attempted to break into a home. Kaushal, who had been added to the FBI's Most Wanted List the previous day, was later transferre
ALBURGH, Vt. - A man added to the FBI's Most Wanted List just one day earlier was arrested near the U.S.-Canada border in Vermont after authorities say he was found attempting to break into a home.
Dig deeper:
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol agents with the Swanton Sector apprehended 26-year-old Nitish Kaushal, an Indian national, on July 16 near Alburgh, Vermont. After receiving medical treatment, Kaushal was turned over to the FBI, which has assumed custody as it continues its investigation and prosecution.
The incident began around 2 a.m. when Border Patrol agents discovered a disabled and abandoned vehicle blocking Blair Road in Alburgh, near the Canadian border.
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The vehicle, registered in New York, prompted concerns about possible cross-border activity. Vermont State Police responded to the scene and arranged for the vehicle to be towed.
Several hours later, at about 6:30 a.m., a Blair Road resident reported that an individual was attempting to break into a home. Border Patrol agents responded and detained Kaushal at the scene shortly after 7 a.m.
The backstory:
Authorities said a records check revealed Kaushal was the subject of an active 2022 Notice to Appear under the Alternatives to Detention program and was wanted on an FBI warrant issued in Los Angeles on a kidnapping charge. The FBI added him to its Most Wanted List on July 15.
Investigators also said Kaushal has an extensive criminal history, including charges of murder and criminal conspiracy, as well as a felony conviction in Sacramento, California, for the sale and possession of a high-capacity magazine. He previously served 60 days in jail and completed 24 months of probation in connection with that conviction.
Border Patrol agents said Kaushal was also found carrying a small amount of suspected narcotics, which have been submitted for laboratory testing.
He was transported to Northwestern Medical Center for treatment of a possible leg injury before being released into FBI custody.
What they're saying:
"Border security is national security, and the safety of our communities depends on the vigilance and cooperation of the public," Acting Chief Border Patrol Agent of the Swanton Sector Richard J. Fortunato said in a statement. "We encourage everyone—if you see something, say something. The public's alertness and quick reporting played a critical role in this case."
What's next:
The investigation remains ongoing.
The Source: The information in this story comes from a news release issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Swanton Sector, which detailed the arrest of Nitish Kaushal near the U.S.-Canada border in Vermont. This story was reported from Los Angeles.