Nature walk backfires: German’s naked stroll to reduce stress sets off police manhunt instead

German man’s stress-calming naked walk backfires

BERLIN — A German man’s habit of taking naked walks to reduce his stress levels backfired when his latest escapade triggered a police search and closed down a rail line.

Police in the western city of Solingen said Friday that a woman out walking her dog saw the man, who jumped onto the train tracks and fled. She found his clothes nearby and reported the sighting to police.

Police closed the rail line for 1 1/2 hours Thursday night and sent up a helicopter to try and locate the man. He eventually turned himself in, saying he panicked after being seen and fled home.

The 42-year-old told officers he often took naked walks because it helped him combat stress.

The man could now face a fine for trespassing on railway property.