By Jim Clark

While investigating a case of taxi fare evasion last Monday, a Somerville police officer met with resistance from the alleged offender and was struck several times as he tried to subdue and restrain the suspect outside of his home on Broadway, police said.

The suspect, Demetrius Tragiou, 30, reportedly broke free of the police officer after a prolonged struggle and managed re-enter his apartment. Several unsuccessful attempts were made by police to enter the apartment, and Tragiou refused to come out voluntarily, according to police.

As officers on the scene suspected that the man could be armed and dangerous the SWAT team was called in take charge of the situation. A call to police reportedly informed them that there could be several people inside the apartment with Tragiou and that they were being held hostage.

Police reportedly tried negotiating with Tragiou to let the hostages out, but he allegedly shouted out that they would “get it” if police tried entering the apartment.

Eventually Tragiou released one, and later another female hostage, while reportedly remaining barricaded in the apartment. The hostages told police that Tragiou had a knife and was harming himself as the drama played out, according to reports.

The SWAT team finally forced entry and apprehended Tragiou, He was transported to an area hospital for treatment of his wounds. He was subsequently charged with resisting arrest, assault and battery on a police officer, threat to commit a crime, kidnapping, and various warrant charges.