Mexican Officials: Marine Crossed Border 3 Previous Times

Mexican officials detail the number of high-powered, loaded weapons seized

The U.S. Marine being held in Mexico on weapons charges did not identify himself as military when he was arrested two months ago and appeared to have entered Mexico through the same border crossing three times before, Mexican officials said Wednesday.

Andrew Tahmooressi, 25, has been held in a Mexican jail since his arrest April 1, after he drove his black Ford pickup through the San Ysidro Port of Entry into Tijuana.

The Office of Mexico’s Attorney General said in a statement Wednesday that the night of his arrest, Tahmooressi did not identify himself as an active member of the U.S. armed forces.

Mexican officials also said they have information provided by U.S. authorities showing that Tahmooressi had entered through the same border crossing on three prior occasions.

Police at the border entry seized a 12-gauge loaded shotgun, a 5.56-caliber rifle loaded with a 30-round clip and with two additional clips, a .45-caliber loaded pistol, loaded with 10 .45-caliber rounds and with two additional clips from the Marine's pickup truck, according to the officials.

Tahmooressi also carried two boxes of 12-gauge ammunition and 300 rounds for the rifle.

Family members said Tahmooressi got lost near the border after dark and took a wrong turn into Mexico.

Tahmooressi, who served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, had been in the San Diego area to receive treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.

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