Windsor police say the man shot by border officers faces weapons and dangerous-driving charges.
The 22-year-old Windsor man is being held in Detroit after being shot by U.S. border guards while brandishing what has now been identified as a pellet gun.
In a statement late Sunday night, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said the Windsor man sustained a bullet wound to the arm, when two officers discharged a total of four rounds.
He allegedly started walking toward border officers waving the replica handgun, refusing to stop and pointing the handgun in their direction before he was shot.
But before the shooting incident at the bridge, the man had an altercation with Windsor police at a McDonald’s parking lot on Howard Avenue.
Police say when officers arrived at 2:40 a.m., the man exited a black Ford Explorer and allegedly walked towards the restaurant with what appeared to be a handgun.
The suspect was ordered to drop the weapon at gunpoint, and the man then allegedly turned in the direction of officers and pointed the firearm. According to police, the man said, "Why haven't you shot me yet?" He then entered his vehicle and drove over the sidewalk and curb.
At a press conference on Monday, Windsor police explain that there were too many bystanders and a decision was made not to shoot the suspect. They also attempted to locate the vehicle, and say they stopped a number of similar vehicles, but could not locate him.
Windsor police Deputy Chief Vince Power says, "Officers were faced with what they thought was a deadly threat and they showed tremendous restraint while re-assessing the situation. Although at one point, police considered the use of lethal force, they opted not to.”
Twenty minutes later, the suspect was on the Ambassador Bridge travelling towards Detroit.
Ken Hammond Sr., of Customs and Border Protection, tells CTV News, "The individual stopped his car before approaching the inspection booth, exited his vehicle and started walking towards the primary inspection lanes waving a handgun."
"After pointing the weapon in the direction of the officers, CBP officers fired upon the individual who fell to the ground."
Four shots at the suspect, hitting him in the arm. He was later taken to hospital and released.
The suspect is expected to make a court appearance on Monday. There is no word on what charges he may face in the U.S.
Windsor police say warrants have been prepared for the man on weapons and dangerous driving charges, should he be returned to Canada.
Officials also say they have had no prior dealings with the man involved, but have confirmed he is the one who called 911 to report a man with a gun.
WIth files from The Canadian Press
