Authorities in northwest Indiana on Sunday safely disarmed a samurai sword-wielding man after they found him walking along Interstate 65 near Merrillville.

The still-unidentified man was discovered wandering along the interstate just south of U.S. Highway 30 about 2:30 p.m. "marching like a drum major" while holding the 35-inch sword, state police said in a news release.

The shirtless man, who appeared to be in his mid to late 40s, moved the sword rhythmically like a baton until Master Trooper Rick Hudson approached, officials said. The man swung defensively at Hudson but dropped the sword when Hudson ordered him to, authorities said.

A passing car -- a 2010 Chevrolet SUV -- swerved off the road onto the shoulder near the area to avoid a police car stopped at ths scene, police said, and the suspect then tried to get into that vehicle before being ordered to the ground at gunpoint. Merrillville police then took him into custody.

Once in custody, the man gave authorities different names and addresses, but told Lake County Jail officials that he was "Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs."

Authorities were first called to the scene after a white older model Toyota was abandoned in the middle southbound lane of I-65 just south of 61st Avenue.

Though his identity hadn't been verified, authorities charged the man with attempted carjacking, resisting law enforcement and possession of marijuana.

chicagobreaking@tribune.com