Calera man arrested for criminal damage in Camden Cove neighborhood while naked

CALERA, Ala. (WBRC) – More than 30 people are reporting damage after Calera officials said a naked, bloodied man ran through a residential neighborhood and caused extensive damage to neighbors' property.

This happened early Friday morning in the Camden Cove neighborhood. 35-year-old Caleb Jon Sims faces multiple charges.

This was a very bizarre and unusual situation for the area.

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

Haynie is one of many neighbors affected by the incident and said he immediately called 911.

“And sure enough, they were out here super fast,” Haynie said.

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

“When officers found him, the subject approached the officer very quickly and the officer had to throw a Taser at the suspect because the suspect refused to obey commands,” said Chief David Hyche.

“There's just nothing like that here, and I say that's a testament to the police and everyone who 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 an officer with a family who wants to go home that night. He is spoken to aggressively by someone. He chose to use his Taser, but if he had made a different choice, I would still be here to support him today,” said Chief Hyche.

Sims used two pavers in addition to his hands and fists and even attempted to break into Haynie's car.

“He hit it with his hand, his fists and his elbow, and it was covered in blood, and I felt like I had lost it,” Haynie said.

Sims was arrested and taken to the hospital. “Drugs are a terrible thing and this person. I don’t know if he’s an addict, but he needs help, but that doesn’t forgive what was done or change the work we need to do,” Hyche said.

The substance Sims was under is not yet known, but officers found gas station products and other drugs at his home.

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

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