A homeless Oak Harbor man claiming to be a “sovereign” with diplomatic immunity was ordered by a judge to undergo a mental health evaluation

Charles W. Taylor, 39, appeared in Island County Superior Court Monday after he was arrested for allegedly stealing a six-pack of Angry Orchard hard cider from an Oak Harbor grocery store while armed with a steel pipe.

Taylor interrupted the hearing, claiming to be a “robber baron.”

“I am still undergoing scientific research,” he said. “Do you understand that?”

Judge Alan Hancock set Taylor’s bail at $15,000. After noting that the defendant was making “unintelligent” statements, the judge ordered the jail not to release Taylor until he is examined by a mental health professional. Hancock said being held on bail should not prevent Taylor from being sent to a mental-health institution.

Prosecutors charged Taylor on Aug. 30 with burglary in the second degree, possession of a controlled substance and theft in the third degree.

According to the officer’s report, a Safeway employee reported Aug. 28 that Taylor stole the hard cider while carrying a 2-foot-long steel pipe.

An officer located Taylor nearby and ordered him to empty his hands. When he didn’t, the officer drew his gun and ordered Taylor to drop the pipe; this time, Taylor complied. The officer searched Taylor’s backpack and found glass pipes and a plastic bag containing a small amount of powder and two pills, the report states.

Taylor allegedly admitted to taking the hard cider. He told the officer that he has diplomatic immunity and can kill people without consequences. He also said he was much like the queen of England and wasn’t required to appear in court, the report states.