By Jim Clark

Somerville police officers responded to a request by Massachusetts State Police to investigate a claim of a man with a gun at a Rossmore Street residence last Thursday.

Responding officers were advised that the person calling in the tip seemed to be “covering up” their voice, and that there was a history of such calls made in the past.

The arriving officers said they found David Dixon, 52, sitting on the porch of the residence. When asked to show his hands Dixon began yelling obscenities, police said. As the officers drew nearer they reportedly observed that the man’s hands were wrapped in a karate belt.

A crowd of onlookers gathered as Dixon’s shouting continued, ignoring requests to identify himself, according to police. Officers on the scene were advised that Dixon was known to be a karate expert.

As officers approached the man he reportedly threatened to “throw them off the porch” and began kicking his feet and throwing his hands around. He was eventually subdued and taken into custody and charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and assault.