Indiana Man Experiencing ‘Spiritual Awakening’ Says He Just Wanted to ‘Spread Some Love’ Before Nude Arrest: Police
Sept. 8 2023, Published 12:03 p.m. ET
Authorities apprehended an Indiana man who was reportedly standing naked in the doorway of an apartment, waving at passing drivers on a busy street because he was trying to “spread some love.”
On Sept. 2, officers responded to an apartment complex in Centerville for reports of a naked man masturbating in the doorway, WXIN-TV reported.
Once at the apartment, police found the front door and curtains open, which allowed the officers to see into the entire apartment.
Officials said 42-year-old Elijah Barker then reportedly approached the officers at the door, asking them if he should put on clothes.
In the arrest report, an officer stated, “I advised I would prefer that he did.”
Police talked with Barker regarding his public nudity, to which he said he thought it was “acceptable behavior.”
Barker also disclosed his past meth use but claimed to have discontinued it. Nevertheless, officers allegedly found methamphetamine in his wallet, WXIN-TV reported.
While talking with police, Barker reportedly said he recently experienced a “spiritual awakening” and thought he could “spread some love” by being naked and waving at people going by, officials said.
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Barker was arrested and booked into the Wayne County Jail, authorities said.
He was charged with a felony count of possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor indecent exposure — appearing in a state of nudity not in a public place but with intent.
According to court records, Barker’s landlord filed an eviction notice in August that required Barker to be out of the apartment by Sept. 5, officials said.
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