Columbus police officers arrested a local man early this morning after he was accused of punching an officer in the face in an effort to evade arrest.
An officer stopped a man riding a bicycle without proper lighting at 2:30 a.m. Tuesday on Indiana Avenue near South Beatty Street, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman.
The officer identified the man on the bicycle as Steven J. Richcreek, 27, of 3126 14th St., and confirmed two local warrants for his arrest a short time later.
Richcreek jumped on his bicycle when the officer attempted to take him into custody, Harris said. During the scuffle, Richcreek punched the officer in the face and attempted to flee on foot, Harris said.
The officer pursued Richcreek and tackled him to the ground a short time later. After Richcreek was secured in handcuffs, the officer located synthetic marijuana in Richcreek’s clothing, Harris said.
Richcreek was transported to the Bartholomew County Jail on preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement, a Level 6 felony, possession of a look-alike drug, a Class A misdemenaor and two local warrants for battery on a police officer, both Level 6 felonies.
Richcreek was being held in the Bartholomew County Jail in lieu of $17,985 bond, jail officials said.
