GRANTSVILLE'S MYSTERY STREET CRAWLER WAS UNIVERSITY STUDENT

(04/28/2008)
The mystery of why bible carrying Klark Ammerman came to Grantsville last week to perform an act of humility is yet to be answered.

Grantsville Police arrested the 26-year-old man twice last week, the first time after he crawled across Main Street on hands and knees.

The man indicated he was on a spiritual mission, while at the same time creating a safety hazard for himself and local residents.

He first told Grantsville Police Chief Charles Stephens that his name was Caleb Smith.

Stephens discovered that Ammerman has an address in Powellton WV.

The original charge against Ammerman was dropped, and he returned to Grantsville later in the week to acquire his pick-up truck.

"The reason for him giving a false identity is still unknown," said Stephens, who has now filed a new charged related to causing a public official to file a fraudulent legal progress.

"Trooper Starcher advised me that...he may also be a suspect in several thefts and burglaries in the area," said Chief Stephens. Stephens said Ammerman maintains "God told him to lie so he would go to jail."

In 2004, Ammerman was the outgoing president of Phi Delta Theta at Ball State University in Indiana, according to Internet information.

Stories indicated the man was involved in university life, was a runner and operated a small business.