Swimmer is arrested for refusing to exit river

5/27/2011
BLADE STAFF

A man was arrested Thursday night after spending almost four hours swimming in the Maumee River to promote Michelle Obama’s anti-obesity initiative, according to the Coast Guard.

The man, whose name was not available, entered the river at about 3 p.m. — after informing the Coast Guard of his plan. He wore a protective suit and used a flotation device with a sign promoting Mrs. Obama’s initiative, Coast Guard spokesman Don Chase said.

At the request of police, Coast Guard Station Toledo dispatched a boat to help get the man out of the water after he refused to come ashore. By the time the boat arrived, he was onshore near the Anthony Wayne Bridge and under arrest for disorderly conduct and inducing panic.