The Leeds Police chief confirmed a man was taken into custody late Thursday after a mental breakdown Thursday at Bass Pro Shops in Leeds.
Chief Paul Irwin stressed the incident was not a laughing matter.
“I know everyone wants to write a story and think it’s funny but he had a mental problem,” Irwin told 1819 News.
The man drove into a pole in the parking lot at Bass Pro Shops around 9 p.m., ran into the store, stripped naked and jumped into the large aquarium in the center of the store. After officers arrived, he was eventually taken into custody.
“Yes, he was taken for mental,” Irwin said. “It’s very sad.”
It is unclear what led up to the incident, but Irwin said the man was not injured, and no officers were injured as they worked to talk to the man and get him to safety.
Alabama has a mental health crisis hotline. Anyone can dial 988 to be connected to resources for help with mental or emotional distress.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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