Priest calls 911 after getting 'stuck' in handcuffs, gagged

Springfield - A Catholic priest found himself in a compromising situation, forced to call 911 for assistance after getting "stuck" in a pair of handcuffs.

Father Tom Donovan, a priest at St. Aloysius Church in Springfield, IL., called the Springfield 911 dispatcher stating he was "stuck in a pair of handcuffs." Donovan's words seemed a bit muffled and the dispatcher asked him to repeat what he had said. Donovan again says he is stuck in a pair of handcuffs, and explains he was "playing with them" and needed help getting out. The dispatcher promised to send officers to help Donovan out of his predicament. The handcuffs were not the only thing Donovan needed assistance with however. According to the Illinois Times, when police arrived they found that the priest also had a ball gag stuck in his mouth. The Springfield Diocese has remained tight lipped about the incident, giving no explanation as to how Donovan managed to get stuck in handcuffs with a ball gag in his mouth. Kathie Sass, spokeswoman for the Springfied Diocese, did state Donovan had requested a leave of absence. “He came to the bishop before anyone was aware of the incident. He came to the bishop and asked for help and was granted leave.” According to the State Journal Register, Donovan was ordained as a priest in 2005 and served at several parishes before arriving at St. Aloysius in 2010.