A tense scene unfolded near the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge as a 24-year-old man found himself facing serious charges after a traffic stop revealed a far more complex situation than initially met the eye.
The arrest occurred Friday evening around 7:35 p.m. when a Michigan State Police motor carrier officer pulled over a semi-truck for routine commercial vehicle inspections. What began as a standard check quickly escalated into a criminal investigation.
Authorities soon discovered the truck had been reported stolen in Ontario, its true identity obscured by a deliberate act of deception – an altered Vehicle Identification Number. The attempt to conceal the vehicle’s origins pointed to a calculated scheme.
Yuvraj Singh, the driver, was taken into custody and the semi-truck and trailer were impounded. He now faces multiple charges, including receiving and concealing stolen property, and motor vehicle fraud, alongside accusations of possessing an invalid license plate.
Singh appeared in the 91st District Court on Monday, where he was released on bond under strict conditions. He is required to surrender his passport, remain within Chippewa County, and is subject to constant electronic monitoring via a GPS tether.
The investigation benefited from the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, and Southwest Commercial Auto Recovery, highlighting the collaborative nature of border security.
Separately, U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a travel advisory anticipating increased congestion at Michigan border crossings during the upcoming holiday season. Travelers are advised to ensure they have all necessary documentation and to consider leaving gifts unwrapped for easier inspection.
