By Jim Clark

While working an assignment on Elm Street last Saturday evening, a uniformed Somerville Police officer was summoned by a concerned citizen and directed to a man who was lying on the ground in front of Starbucks.

The man said that he had been attacked and pointed out a group of men who were gathered in front of Chipotle restaurant.

The officer said that when he began to approach the group of men they began running up Elm Street. The officer reported that he caught up with one of the men, but as he tried to question him about the incident the individual began swearing and punched the cop on the side of the head.

The officer said he then radioed for backup and wrestled the man to the ground, holding him there until a transporting unit arrived.

Robert McFadden, 24, of Lexington, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, assault and battery, assault and battery on a police officer, and resisting arrest.