Man jumps into icy river after stealing empty cash register

INQUIRER.net stock photo

A man who unknowingly stole an empty cash register got himself rescued then arrested by police after he plunged into the freezing waters of a river in Winnipeg, Canada.

Sean-Leo Monchalin, 32, broke into a closed business late night yesterday, Nov. 21, as per CTV News on the same day.

Police were called when he got caught by passersby after he damaged the establishment’s door. He reportedly stole an empty cash register and fled on foot.

Police officers and a K-9 unit were able to track him. When they closed in on the suspect, he was said to have jumped into the Assiniboine River, alternating between swimming in the freezing waters and walking on ice.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service was tapped by police and two members came to save the suspect, although the latter initially refused to be rescued, according to the report.

After around 27 minutes of swimming up and down the chilly river, the suspect was finally saved. Police then took him to the hospital, where he was medically cleared to be taken into custody.

The man has since been charged with breaking and entering and theft, aside from two other previous charges, the report said. Ian Biong/JB

RELATED STORIES:

White woman tells Black family to ‘stop acting Black’ in their ‘white neighborhood’

Accused thief arrested after wearing same shirt captured on CCTV to court