By Jim Clark

Last Sunday evening, Somerville Police officers were dispatched to 78 Broadway, the location of Bairos Liquors, in response to a 9-1-1 call from a person saying that someone was trying to assault him.

While on the phone with the 9-1-1 operator, the reporting party said, “He is trying to take my phone, he hit me”. The victim was heard asking people for help before the call was disconnected.

Upon arrival, the officers located several people standing outside the store and pointing at a man walking away from the scene. The man was detained and identified as Luciano Delira.

The victim stated he was approached by Delira outside a Mexican restaurant on lower Broadway and asked him for money. When the victim declined to give any money, Delira allegedly head-butted the victim in the chest.

The victim dialed 9-1-1, and while talking to the operator, Delira reportedly took his phone and threw it against the wall causing, damage to the screen, then punched the victim in the face. The victim then asked bystanders to call the police.

The officers noted a bruise on the victim’s face consistent with being punched and the phone with the damaged screen.

While waiting for the prisoner transport vehicle, Delira reportedly told an officer that he was making a big mistake and that he will get a gun with a bigger caliber than the officer’s duty weapon. While searching Delira before placing him in the prisoner transport vehicle, he head-butted the officer in the chest.

Delira has been charged with assault and battery on a police officer, witness intimidation, malicious wanton defacement of property, and assault and battery.