In a bizarre incident that perhaps gives an alternative meaning to the venerable phrase “different strokes for different folks,” a naked man allegedly went for a swim in the giant fish tank at a Bass Pro Shop in the Birmingham, Alabama, area.
The incident occurred Jan. 4, right around closing time at the sporting goods chain’s Leeds, Alabama, location.
As a prelude to the suspect’s big splash, he reportedly crashed his car into a pole in the store parking lot before taking off his clothes and dashing into the store, according to AL.com.
Police said the 42-year-old suspect did a “cannonball” leap into the aquarium and then stood under a waterfall, diving back into the water after yelling at officers, The Associated Press reported.
After several minutes of frolicking in the water, the man reportedly climbed over the glass wall of the aquarium and fell to the concrete floor below, knocking himself unconscious.
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According to Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin, the individual, identified by local media as George Owens, was noncompliant with officers and paramedics at the scene, including allegedly kicking one officer in the groin and damaging a patrol car door.
The chief alluded to the possibility that drugs played a role in the encounter.
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“It is obvious from the behavior of (Owens) and his admissions that he had been taking drugs that we must continue remind the public of the dangers associated with their use,” Irwin told AL.com.
The chief told the news outlet that Owens was receiving mental health treatment after his arrest.
The suspect’s family told the police chief that he is suffering from mental health issues, WBRC reported.
WARNING: The following video contains graphic images that some may find offensive.
NEW: Alabama man arrested after taking a dive into the fish aquarium at a Bass Pro Shop in Leeds, Alabama.
The man intentionally drove a vehicle into a pole outside the store before taking off his clothes and jumping in the fish tank.
When the police arrived, the man, George… pic.twitter.com/wcVTnUtQoC
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 6, 2024
Owens faces an array of charges including public lewdness, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, assault on police, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment, according to WBRC.
He bonded out of St. Clair County Jail on Jan. 7.
In the meantime, a police investigation is ongoing.
“He caused a scene that should not occur in public in front of many adults, children, and employees of Bass Pro Shop,” Irwin told AL.com.
Bass Pro Shops’ website says the company operates about 200 retail stores across North America.
