VERO BEACH — A 39-year-old naked man who ran into a store, attacked a police officer and hopped in a nearby patrol car last week, was jailed Monday.
Kevin Russell Ray
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Police arrested Kevin Russell Ray, of the 1800 block of 38th Place, Vero Beach, on charges of battery on law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, resisting arrest without violence and exposure of sexual organs. Ray was held Tuesday at the Indian River County Jail on $60,000 bond.
Officers previously said they believed Ray was possibly under the influence of a hallucinogenic or stimulant drug, such as bath salts. Police used a Taser on Ray, which was ineffective, officials said.
Ray was taken to the hospital and was given a mental health evaluation and a drug test. It could be several weeks before police get Ray’s drug test results, Vero Beach Police spokesperson Master Officer Darrell Rivers said.
Rivers said more than 25 people called 911 about 2 p.m. April 8 when they saw a fully nude man rinsing himself off with a hose near a busy intersection at 20th Street and 6th Avenue.
When an officer arrived at the scene, the man, identified as Ray, ran northbound toward Miracle Mile Plaza. Rivers said Ray ran into Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, went to the manager’s office in the back and said he needed water.
Rivers said a retired police officer took Ray out of the store.
Rivers said Ray attacked a police officer who had just pulled up to the store. Ray then ran around the police car and hopped in the driver’s seat.
Rivers said the officer shocked Ray with a Taser, hitting him with two prongs. Ray pulled the prongs from his body and attacked the officer again.
Then, two more officers arrived and helped to detain Ray, Rivers said. Ray was taken to Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital for treatment and released the next day.
Ray was booked into the county jail. Ray has an arraignment at 8:45 a.m. May 21, court records show.
