NORTH NORWICH – A Norwich man fled from immigration officials after appearing in North Norwich Town Court Monday. He was apprehended after an agent forced him from his vehicle at gunpoint.

Chenango County Sheriff Deputies and New York State Troopers responded to a 911 call from the North Norwich Court Justice, who witnessed the incident in the court’s parking lot at around 10:20 a.m. along Rt. 23, less than half a mile from the State Hwy. 12 intersection.

Detective Sgt. Richard M. Cobb said 29-year-old Hector DeLeon Lucas fled from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) agent after he appeared in the local court to accept a plea to the charge of driving while ability impaired. Following the proceeding, Lucas went to leave the courtroom and was confronted outside by the waiting I.C.E. agent, who attempted to take him into custody.

“At this time we do not know if Mr. Lucas is a citizen or why I.C.E. wanted him in the first place,” said Cobb Monday.