OMEN
08-24-2007, 09:35 AM
Lodi Police are still chuckling over a case of mistaken identity that unfolded early Wednesday morning, when officers arrested a naked prankster on suspicion of stealing a car.
Sgt. Fernando Martinez said officers in cruisers pursued suspected auto thieves on the west side of town late Tuesday night. Three suspects dumped the car and ran. Officers quickly caught two of the suspects. As they scoured the neighborhood for the third, dispatchers relayed a call: someone was complaining of a naked man in their backyard.
"We're thinking it has to be our third suspect," Martinez said.
Officers went to the house, surrounded it and announced that they would release a canine. The dog caused minor injuries to the man's torso, and officers took him into custody shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday.
"He's telling us he has nothing to do with this," Martinez said.
Officers began to believe the naked man when his friend showed up at the Lodi Police station, explaining that his friend was going away to college this week and decided to streak as a joke.
"This was one of the things he wanted to do before he went to college," Martinez recounted.
Officers released the man to his friend, who had brought clothes for him. Martinez said the police are still seeking the third car thief.
Sacbee
Sgt. Fernando Martinez said officers in cruisers pursued suspected auto thieves on the west side of town late Tuesday night. Three suspects dumped the car and ran. Officers quickly caught two of the suspects. As they scoured the neighborhood for the third, dispatchers relayed a call: someone was complaining of a naked man in their backyard.
"We're thinking it has to be our third suspect," Martinez said.
Officers went to the house, surrounded it and announced that they would release a canine. The dog caused minor injuries to the man's torso, and officers took him into custody shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday.
"He's telling us he has nothing to do with this," Martinez said.
Officers began to believe the naked man when his friend showed up at the Lodi Police station, explaining that his friend was going away to college this week and decided to streak as a joke.
"This was one of the things he wanted to do before he went to college," Martinez recounted.
Officers released the man to his friend, who had brought clothes for him. Martinez said the police are still seeking the third car thief.
Sacbee