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“The officers determined his irrational and bizarre behaviour was more of a medical matter to be treated,” Lt. Brown told the National Post.

“There were several callers and one of them said he was naked and masturbating. Officers did not witness that.”

No charges were laid against the man.

While the news was swiftly re-tweeted and posted to Facebook, many questioned whether the story was actually a joke.

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Mr. Russell’s 30-minute video, which also spread remarkably fast online and amassed more than 100 million views, highlights the atrocities perpetrated by Kony, head of the Lord Resistance Army (LRA) rebel group that once terrorized northern Uganda.

The story about Mr. Russell from NBC also includes an apparent statement from Invisible Children, which claims Mr. Russell has been under significant emotional stress:

“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.”

Kony 2012 tells the story of a former child soldier named Jacob and then issues a call to action to viewers to help “make Joseph Kony famous.”

Although the film has raised more than $5-million and won the backing of millions of people, including celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Rihanna, the charity behind the project has faced criticism over their message, methods and financial transparency.

National Post staff