Naked man found on SR 347 taken for mental evaluation

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Police said a nude, 22-year-old man was taken to a hospital last week after he was seen running on State Route 347.

Gila River Police Department spokesperson Caroline Brown said officers made contact with the man July 14 at approximately 7:25 p.m. near milepost 179.

“He was turned over to medics on scene and transported to a local hospital for a psychological evaluation,” Brown said.

Gila River Police did not release the name of the man, but photos taken by drivers were posted to social media that night.

The photos show the nude man running barefoot on the asphalt.

Brown said the police report did not provide any information on whether the man gave statements to responding officers as to his motivation.

“No charges were filed against him due to his mental status,” Brown added.

The Department of Public Safety also received reports from concerned callers at 7:15 Friday night.

“As units were responding they were advised that a subject helped the man onto the right shoulder of the road,” said Quentin Mehr, DPS spokesman.

Mehr said DPS was in route to the scene when they were notified Gila River PD was taking over the case.