Alleged Naked Knife Guy Plays Banjo for Cops
On Sunday, a Washington man was arrested after allegedly running naked through his neighborhood waving a knife—but not before treating police to a surprise banjo concert, KPTV reports.
“It was crazy ridiculous,” an eyewitness told the station.
Responding to complaints of a nude, knife-wielding man, officers say they found the suspect, 26-year-old Andrew Helmsworth, barricaded in his home. A two-hour standoff with SWAT officers reportedly ensued, ending only when Helmsworth left his house to pluck out a tune. From The Columbian:
A neighbor captured a portion of the standoff with a cellphone. Footage showed Helmsworth emerging from the house with a banjo and playing for police. He was subsequently shot with a nonlethal round and taken into custody about 5:45 p.m.
Helmsworth, who authorities say chased his father with the knife, now faces felony assault charges, KATU reports.
