(WFLA) – A man was charged Friday after allegedly trying to ride a manatee in South Florida.

On Friday around noon witnesses said a man was touching two adult males and two calves in a creek near the Islamorada Library Beach, The Keynoter reports. The man allegedly told witnesses, “I’m riding it,” the publication says.

FWC Officer Courtney Baumgartner responded to the scene. Baumgartner saw James Roy Massengale Jr., 47, touching and lying on top of manatees, officials said.

Massengale was verbally combative with officers, officials said. Originally, Officer Baumgartner wasn’t going to arrest the suspect. The officer was going to issue a notice to appear in court, but Massengale allegedly chanted, “Take me to jail.” He also said he wouldn’t show up in court, officials said.

He was taken to the Monroe County Jail and given a $25,000 bond. The suspect is believed to be homeless, according to The Keynoter.

SEE PHOTOS OF THE INCIDENT HERE.