Police in San Jose, Calif., rang in New Year in a strange way -- by confronting an irate, naked man with a Samurai-like sword and an assault rifle. The bizarre scene unfolded after authorities received a call that a man armed with an assault rifle was outside of a local residence. Police later found Coco Bennett, 29, at a nearby location, leading to a bizarre, two-hour stand-off.
While Bennett was inevitably arrested on suspicion of brandishing a weapon and for possession of an assault rifle, the situation took quite some time to resolve. After Bennett drove his vehicle to a local train station, the suspect stripped down, emerging from his pick-up truck naked; he then purportedly threatened police with his sword.
Photo Credit: AP
According to San Jose police spokesperson Officer Albert Morales, Bennett told authorities, "You're going to have to kill me." During the dispute, the rail station was closed, the area was secured and the rifle (AR-15-type assault weapon), magazine and associated bullets were collected by authorities from the man's pickup truck.
After two hours of intense negotiations with Bennett, the suspect attempted to escape. Naked and with his sword still in hand, he ran toward a fence and tried to jump over it. It was at this point that he fell down, lost control of his weapon and was detained.
Bennett was taken to the hospital to treat minor injuries, as authorities attempt to figure out what spawned the bizarre behavior. Mental health issues and drug and substance abuse are two potential causes that are under review.
(H/T: CBS San Francisco)
