Shirtless, marching samurai sword-wielding man was Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs

Authorities in northwest Indiana on Sunday safely disarmed a samurai sword-wielding man after they found him walking along Interstate 65 near Merrillville. The still-unidentified man was discovered wandering along the interstate just south of U.S. Highway 30 about 2:30 p.m. "marching like a drum major" while holding the 35-inch sword, state police said.

The shirtless man, who appeared to be in his mid to late 40s, moved the sword rhythmically like a baton until Master Trooper Rick Hudson approached. The man swung defensively at Hudson but dropped the sword when Hudson ordered him to.



A passing car swerved off the road onto the shoulder near the area to avoid a police car stopped at ths scene, police said, and the suspect then tried to get into that vehicle before being ordered to the ground at gunpoint. Merrillville police then took him into custody.

Once in custody, the man gave authorities different names and addresses, but told Lake County Jail officials that he was "Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs." Though his identity hadn't been verified, authorities charged the man with attempted carjacking, resisting law enforcement and possession of marijuana.