By Jim Clark

While on route to the Somerville Police Station last Thursday evening, police officers took notice of couple crossing a McGrath Hwy. intersection against a red light.

The officers in the vehicle reported that they had to slam on their brakes to avoid hitting the man and woman.

The man, later identified as Bijendra Karki, 41, appeared to be zigzagging as he walked across the street and didn’t seem to be able to support himself, according to police.

At one point, Karki stopped at Chester Ave., lowered his pants, and began urinating on the sidewalk.

An officer in the police vehicle reportedly advised Karki that he should stop urinating in public.

His female companion reportedly attempted to stop Karki from urinating but he made a violent swing of his arm, although he did not make contact with the woman at that time.

He reportedly continued urinating on the sidewalk and also violently shoved the woman into the middle of the street with his open hand.

Police then moved in to take charge of the situation and immediately noticed the smell of alcohol on the man. When confronted by the officers, Karki reportedly told them that they were just playing.

Karki was placed under arrest and charged with assault and battery.