Crews Search Pond For Naked Man Who Left Holly Spring Group Home

Police said 20-year-old James Akins got into an argument with staff members at a group home off Avent Ferry Road in Holly Springs.

Akins, who is mentally retarded and is autistic, took off his clothes, left the house and crossed the street.

Staff members followed Akins through the woods until he dove into a nearby pond. Divers who searched the pond, but do not think he drowned. The search continued Sunday with the help of police, firefighters and a helicopter.

Officials said it is not the first time Akins has run away.

"Sometime back, while living in Florida, he did this once before and was gone for several days. So that's our concern with the heat as it is," said Chief Cecil Parker of Holly Springs public safety.

Akins is a white male, 5'9" and weighs 129 pounds. He had no clothes on when he left the home, but police say he could have found something to wear. Akins is not a threat to anyone, but he takes medication on a regular basis and could become dehydrated.

Anyone with information is asked to call Holly Springs Public Safety at

(919) 557-9111

.