MARION, La. (WKRC) – A woman who was found swimming nude in her neighbor’s pond was “trying to be a mermaid.”

According to a statement issued by the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, 41-year-old Erin Elizabeth Sutton was taken into custody after deputies responded to a trespassing complaint in the Linville community of Marion in Louisiana in November 2025.

The caller reported that their neighbor, Sutton, was standing in their driveway screaming despite previous warnings not to trespass. Upon arrival, deputies found Sutton swimming nude in a pond on the caller’s property.

Sutton initially refused to exit the pond, claiming she was “trying to be a mermaid.” After several commands, she eventually complied. Due to the cold, emergency medical services were called to evaluate her. As a deputy attempted to escort Sutton inside to warm up, she allegedly charged at the deputy.

Despite commands to stop, Sutton reportedly resisted, leading the deputy to deploy a taser, which was ineffective. Sutton was subdued after a struggle, during which she kicked and punched the deputy.

She was transported to the hospital for further treatment, during which she threatened to kill deputies and paramedics. Warrants for her arrest were later obtained, and on January 6, 2025, Sutton surrendered to deputies.

Woman found swimming nude in neighbor’s pond was ‘trying to be a mermaid’