Jason Russell, co-founder of the "Kony 2012" project and the filmmaker behind the controversial and viral Invisible Children video, was detained in San Diego.
The "mastermind" behind the high profile campaign was detained for "allegedly being drunk in public and masturbating," as well as for "vandaliz[ing] cars," says TMZ.
NBC San Diego says Russell was detained around midday on Thursday.
Lt. Andra Brown of the San Diego Police Department says Russell, 33, was taken in at the intersection of Ingraham Street and Riviera Road, and that the Invisible Children co-founder was "acting very strange."
More about the bizarre incident from NBC San Diego:
Police said they received several calls yesterday at 11:30 a.m. of a man in various stages of undress, running through traffic and screaming. Police described him as "in his underwear." Several people attempted to calm him down and when officers arrived they said he was cooperative.
Jason "Radical" Russell is a co-founder of Invisible Children, as well as our grand storyteller and dreamer. His sparks of creative intelligence and insanity have propelled IC to redefine the concept of humanitarian work, offering new life to old hope. A filmmaker by trade, Jason graduated from the University of Southern California's film school with a degree in Cinema Production. He admires Oprah, Bono, Steven Spielberg, Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, Baz Luhrmann, and Dan Eldon and believes wholeheartedly in magic and the impossible.
Invisible Children is headquartered in San Diego.
UPDATE 2:02 PM Invisible Children's CEO Ben Keesey, has told TMZ:
"Jason Russell was unfortunately hospitalized yesterday suffering from exhaustion, dehydration, and malnutrition." "He is now receiving medical care and is focused on getting better. The past two weeks have taken a severe emotional toll on all of us, Jason especially, and that toll manifested itself in an unfortunate incident yesterday."
"Jason’s passion and his work have done so much to help so many, and we are devastated to see him dealing with this personal health issue. We will always love and support Jason, and we ask that you give his entire family privacy during this difficult time.”
Ed. note: A previous version indicated Russell was arrested, however reports indicate he was detained.
Related:
Tears Were Shed at Invisible Children Headquarters Today
"Kony 2012" Filmmaker's Naked Meltdown Caught on Tape
Jason Russell's Wife Blames the "Kony 2012" Haters for Her Husband's Naked Meltdown
