(WWJ) – A Canadian man is reportedly in American custody after swimming across the St. Clair River and stealing a gun from a Macomb County pawn shop.
Jeremy James Wallace admitted to illegally entering the country by swimming from Sombra, Ontario to East China Township in St. Clair County, according to a report from WDIV.
Wallace then allegedly walked over 15 miles to a pawn shop in New Haven to try to buy a gun, according to the report.
Wallace reportedly said he was unable to buy a gun in Canada after having been arrested on a firearms charge and having his weapon confiscated.
When he arrived at the pawn shop after crossing the St. Clair River in the early morning hours of Sept. 6, an employee “thought something was up with Wallace,” according to the WDIV report. The employee told other staff members to sell him a gun.
Wallace then allegedly grabbed a .22 Sig Sauer and two clips and took off, allegedly with plans to swim back to Canada, according to the report.
Macomb County Sheriff’s deputies found Wallace a short time later and he was allegedly armed with the stolen gun, which he had loaded after leaving the store.
The incident prompted nearby New Haven Elementary and New Haven High schools to go into lockdown.
Wallace allegedly crossed the river in a wetsuit with a flotation device and swim fins, according to the report. He was apparently armed with a crossbow pistol and nine rounds. He ditched the wetsuit after swimming across.
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