Naked man accused of damaging hotel property, kicking police officer in Wilmington
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – A man is accused of exposing himself in front of guests and destroying property at a hotel in Wilmington.
According to an arrest warrant, officers responded to the Spark by Hilton Hotel on Market Street just before 9 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 28, after receiving reports of a naked man approaching guests and damaging property in the hotel lobby.
The Wilmington Police Department (WPD) said officers found the suspect, 33-year-old Eliot Watkins of Wilmington, in a wooded area near the hotel.
WPD says Watkins is accused of causing $3,000 worth of property damage, stealing food items, resisting officers, and allegedly hitting his head into monitors inside the hotel.
Based on his behavior, WPD also suspects he was on drugs.
“When a call like that comes out, most police officers with any amount of experience are going to suspect some sort of drug use. Especially when the person is being described as unclothed and acting erratically,” said WPD Lieutenant Greg Willett.
Only amplifying how scary the situation was.
“Because when you’re dealing with someone who is completely erratic and feels no pain, that can be a challenge. And it usually takes multiple officers or some sort of less lethal force to deal with them,” said Willett.
WPD said Watkins ran off and jumped into a nearby retention pond.
“As Watkins attempted to exit the pond, officers were able to detain him,” WPD said. “During the arrest, [Watkins] kicked an officer.”
The arrest warrant alleged that Watkins damaged a $600 credit card terminal, two keyboards costing $100, a $100 mouse and a $2000 computer.
WPD charged Watkins with:
- Indecent Exposure
- Assault on a Government Official
- Disorderly Conduct
- Injury to Personal Property
- Misdemeanor Larceny
Watkins was held on a $10,000 unsecured bond but has since posted bail. He is expected to appear in court on Feb. 11 at 9 a.m.
WPD said this is an ongoing investigation.
Naked man accused of damaging hotel property, kicking police officer in Wilmington