By Jim Clark

Police were called to Sherman Café at 1 Union Square last Saturday on a report of an unwanted customer who was allegedly causing problems.

Upon arrival, officers were directed to the man in question, Matthew Rais, 30, of Malden, as he was walking around outside of the eatery, reportedly eating a cookie that witnesses said he had stolen from the café.

Police said that they attempted to question Rais, but that he only complained of being treated badly, although he failed to offer any details concerning these complaints.

At one point Rais reportedly stepped off the curb of the sidewalk causing passing cars to slam on their brakes. When officers attempted to pull him back onto the sidewalk Rais jerked his arm away and resisted being led by them, police said.

Officers were eventually successful in getting Rais to sit on the ground, but they report that he was very unsteady and fell backwards. He also reportedly appeared to behave in a very uncoordinated fashion and continuously shouted obscenities at the officers.

Rais also reportedly claimed to have taken rat poison, so officers called for EMS personnel to come and evaluate the man’s condition.

Rais reportedly continued to scream at police and passers-by, drawing a crowd of onlookers, even as emergency crews tended to him.

It was determined that Rais should be placed into custody, but he reportedly resisted and struggled with officers as he was being detained.

He was eventually handcuffed and taken away from the scene, charged with resisting arrest, disturbing the peace, larceny under $250, and threat to commit a crime.