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Calera man arrested for damaging property while naked in Camden Cove neighborhood
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Calera man arrested for damaging property while naked in Camden Cove neighborhood

CALERA, Ala.(WBRC) – More than 30 people reported damage after Calera officers say a bloodied, naked man ran through a subdivision, causing extensive damage to neighbors’ properties.

The incident took place in the Camden Cove neighborhood early Friday morning. Caleb Jon Sims, 35, faces multiple charges.

It was a very strange and unusual situation for this region.

“I was really shocked when I heard this was happening,” said Skyelar Haynie, who has lived in the Camden Cove neighborhood for several years.

Haynie was one of many neighbors affected by the incident and says she immediately called 911.

“And of course they got here very quickly,” Haynie said.

Around 2:30 a.m., officers received multiple calls from neighbors about a man running naked through the neighborhood, damaging vehicles and homes.

“Once officers located him, the subject quickly approached the officer and the officer had to Taser the suspect because the suspect refused to comply with commands,” said Chief David Hyche.

“That kind of thing doesn’t exist here, and I would say that’s a testament to the police department and everybody that works there because they keep us safe here,” Haynie said.

Sims admitted to being under the influence of drugs.

Hyche said he was lucky his officers did not use deadly force to protect themselves.

“Look, this is a police officer with a family who wanted to go home that night. Someone is approaching him in an aggressive manner. The sheriff chose to use his chokehold, but if he had made another choice, I would still be here supporting him today,” Chief Hyche said.

In addition to his hands and fists, Sims also used two brick pavers and even tried to break into Haynie’s car.

“He was hitting her with his hand, his fists and his elbow, and he was covered in blood and I was like that,” Haynie said.

Sims was arrested and transported to the hospital. “Drugs are a very bad thing and it’s an individual, I don’t know if he’s addicted or not but he needs help, but that doesn’t excuse what was done or change the job we have to do,” Hyche said.

There is still no information about Sims’ drug use, but officers found gas station products and other drugs at his home.

The main message from officers and the community is that they hope he gets the help he needs.

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