It's alleged at some point he punched an
officer in the face, cutting his lip, said Kevin Corsaro,
U.S. customs public affairs officer. Arenburg faces a felony
charge of assaulting the federal officer.
"He was immediately taken into custody," said Corsaro,
adding Arenburg is known to the border officers because of
his previous attempts to get into the U.S.
The officer was taken to hospital for treatment to a cut
lip.
On Aug. 1, 1995, Arenburg, a diagnosed schizophrenic,
killed CTV sportscaster Brian Smith with a .22-calibre rifle
as Smith walked out of the CJOH building after the 6 p.m.
newscast. Arenburg was charged with first-degree murder.
In April 1997, he was found not criminally responsible
for Smith's death, on account of his mental disorder, and
sent to a secure mental health facility at Penetanguishene.
Last November, the Ontario Review Board gave Arenburg an
absolute discharge, lifting all conditions, including
checking in weekly with a psychiatrist. In February, the
Ontario Attorney General's office decided not to appeal the
decision because there was no legal basis to challenge the
ruling.
At the time, Smith's widow Alana Kainz spoke out against
Arenburg's discharge because she felt he still posed a risk
to the public and himself.
Kainz said she couldn't help but have an "I told you so"
attitude when she heard of Thursday's alleged incident.
"He should not have been released so quickly without
restrictions," she said, adding she hopes Arenburg gets help
while he's in custody.
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