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Man subject to Baker Act bitten by alligator while swimming across lake in Lakeland

File photo of Florida alligator

An alligator bit off part of a man’s forearm Wednesday night as he swam across a lake, Lakeland police said.
Police said Jessie Kingsinger, 21, left his home on Long Lake Circle after a fight with his mother.
His mother reported the disturbance and told police that her son needed psychological help and was having an "episode" during the fight.
Kingsinger’s mother also told police that she wanted her son taken into custody under the Baker Act.

The Baker Act is a way to provide individuals with emergency services and temporary detention for mental health evaluation and treatment, either on a voluntary or an involuntary basis.
Police said officers spotted Kingsinger near the lake, lying on the ground. Kingsinger said he knew that law enforcement was looking for him so he swam across the lake.
A sign posted near where Kingsinger got out of the lake reads “Caution! Alligators frequent this area!”
Police said Kingsinger was missing approximately three-quarters of his left forearm.
Kingsinger was taken to Lakeland Regional Health Center.
Kingsinger was committed under the Baker Act because of his condition, police said.
There are no criminal charges pending against Kingsinger.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was notified and will follow up on the alligator bite incident.