By Jim Clark

A Somerville Police officer on duty and assigned to uniform patrol of Assembly Row last Thursday spotted a man known to him as Rachid Belhadj walking past LegoLand.

Belhadj is reportedly well known by Somerville police for shoplifting from retail establishments. The officer also had knowledge that Belhadj was wanted for multiple arrest warrants at the time.

The officer I made contact with Belhadj in the intersection of Assembly Row and Canal St, and ordered him to stop. Belhadj complied and approached the officer.

As Belhadj came nearer the officer could see a large bulge in the front of his pants. He knew from past thefts that Belhadj conceals merchandise in his pants before fleeing retail establishments.

The officer informed Belhadj that there were active warrants for his arrest, and ordered him to place his hands behind his back. Belhadj reportedly began to yell and back away from the officer, who then grabbed Belhadj by his right upper arm, and ordered him to place his hands behind his back.

According to reports, Belhadj then began to struggle with the officer, pulling away and pushing the officer.

Attempts were made to bring Belhadj to the ground unsuccessfully, and he slipped from the officer’s grasp. He then reportedly turned around and came back toward the officer.

The officer grabbed control of Belhadj’s arm again and attempted to handcuff him, but he reportedly continued to resist. 

During this struggle, Belhadj thrust his hand toward the officer numerous times in an attempt to strike him, according to reports, but the officer was able to prevent full extension of his arm.

Belhadj repeatedly ignored the officer’s commands to comply and continued his assaultive behavior, police said.

The officer struck Belhadj with a closed fist, which resulted in Belhadj being stunned. The officer was finally able to take Belhadj to the ground, and got one handcuff on before Belhadj began resisting again.

The officer gave numerous commands for Belhadj to roll onto his stomach, which he refused to do.

The officer held Belhadj in a wrist lock until backup arrived and assisted him in completing the handcuffing.

While awaiting the prisoner transport wagon, the officer located numerous items of allegedly stolen clothing in his backpack.

Belhadj continued to resist while handcuffed, and then began spitting toward the officers when placed in the wagon. Belhadj was transported to the station where he was booked on a charge of resisting arrest.

During the booking process, additional stolen clothing was located in Belhadj’s pants where the officer first observed the bulge.

Police returned all stolen property which totaled $134.97 from Banana Republic, $400 from Columbia Sports, and $241 from Nike Outlet.

In addition to the outstanding warrants, Belhadj was charged with three counts of receiving stolen property, and one count of resisting arrest.