VALPARAISO | Valparaiso police said a marijuana-smoking homeless man went to a church and swam in the creek outside the building, then tried to punch a pastor, impersonated a clergyman and later exposed himself.
The man -- Samuel Mullins, 19, a resident of New Creations Men's Center on Axe Avenue in Valparaiso -- was arrested on a misdemeanor public nudity charge.
Police said they responded to Bethel Church, located at U.S. 30 and Horseprairie Avenue, at 8:25 p.m. Thursday after receiving a report of an intoxicated man trying to start fights.
The man who called police stated Mullins was spotted near the creek outside the church and was brought to the south side of the church, but tried three times to punch the church's assistant youth pastor. Police were then called.
Police said Mullins -- who was wearing only a hooded sweatshirt, boxer shorts and socks -- was soaking wet and explained he "did a backflip into the water" and "it was awesome."
Police said Mullins talked in "gibberish" and stated he was a preacher trying to spread the word. Police said he also said he was Batman. Police said he also said to police, "Punch me? Tase me?"
Police declined to do either.
Authorities said Mullins suddenly pulled down his boxers and exposed himself to an officer who was trying to talk to him.
Police said they decided to arrest Mullins, but first called for an ambulance for him because he was wet and it was cold outside. Police said he declined medical treatment and was placed in a squad car, but head butted the plastic partition in an officer's squad car and a counter at Porter County Jail.
He told police he smoked marijuana earlier in the evening.
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