A bizarre Louisiana incident has gone viral after deputies responding to a trespassing complaint allegedly discovered a naked woman swimming in a neighbour’s pond while claiming she was “trying to be a mermaid.”
The strange encounter unfolded in the Linville community of Marion, Louisiana, where authorities say a homeowner called police after spotting a neighbour standing in their driveway screaming despite previously being warned not to trespass on the property.
When deputies arrived, the situation reportedly became even stranger.
Deputies Find Woman Swimming Nude in Pond
According to the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies allegedly found 41-year-old Erin Elizabeth Sutton swimming naked in a pond located on the caller’s property.
Authorities said Sutton initially refused to leave the water and ignored repeated commands from deputies.
Police claim she then explained her behaviour by telling officers she was “trying to be a mermaid.”
The bizarre explanation quickly spread online after local media outlets picked up the story, with social media users joking that the incident sounded more like a rejected movie script than a real police report.
Taser Reportedly Had “No Effect”
Deputies eventually convinced Sutton to exit the pond, but the encounter allegedly escalated shortly afterwards.
Because of the cold weather, emergency medical personnel reportedly wrapped Sutton in a blanket and attempted to help her warm up inside a nearby residence. Authorities claim she suddenly charged at a deputy during the process.
Police say commands to stop were ignored and a taser was deployed, though officials claimed it had “no effect.” Deputies then allegedly wrestled Sutton to the ground after she reportedly kicked and punched officers during the struggle.
Authorities further alleged Sutton threatened deputies and paramedics while being transported to hospital for evaluation.
Woman Later Surrenders to Police
The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office later obtained arrest warrants connected to the incident.
Officials said Sutton surrendered to deputies days later and was taken into custody on multiple charges linked to trespassing, resisting arrest, and battery allegations.
The surreal case has since exploded across social media, with many people comparing the incident to a real-life Florida headline despite it occurring in neighbouring Louisiana.
Mermaid Culture Is a Real Thing
Oddly enough, “mermaiding” is actually a real hobby and performance subculture involving people swimming in mermaid-style tails and costumes. The activity has grown worldwide over the past decade through social media, aquariums, and cosplay communities.
This case, however, appears to have taken the fantasy in a very different direction.
