Robert “Simon” Gilmore, a homeless man who’s often seen sleeping downtown in front of Weaver’s Department Store or the Replay Lounge, was arrested early Friday afternoon at the intersection of New Hampshire and Seventh streets.

“He was in the middle of the street,” said Lawrence police spokesman Sgt. Dan Ward. “We got a call from someone who couldn’t get around him because of the oncoming traffic. The next car couldn’t get around him either.”

When police arrived at the scene, above, Ward said, Gilmore “actively and passively resisted” the officers. He was later charged with obstruction, disorderly conduct and battery. He was taken to Douglas County Jail, where he remains.

“The last thing we want to do is arrest someone in his situation, but the officers have no choice,” Ward said.

Gilmore, 48, is visually impaired. He has been hospitalized several times for mental illness.