By Jim Clark

Police were dispatched to Fasika Ethiopian Restaurant on Broadway at approximately 3:00 a.m. Sunday on reports of a fight in progress.

Arriving officers spotted a man sitting in an idling vehicle in front of the restaurant engaged in a verbal argument with two other males on the sidewalk.

When officers attempted to get the driver’s attention by flashing their lights the vehicle sped away, making a wrong turn onto Minnesota Ave. without signaling.

The officers on the scene followed in pursuit, while other units in the area were alerted to the situation and asked to be on the lookout for the vehicle.

The suspect, later identified as Atakilti Tasew, 29, was soon found as he returned to Broadway and pulled his vehicle the side of the street.

Tasew reportedly got out of his vehicle as officers approached him for questioning.

The officers reported that Tasew appeared to be intoxicated and that he smelled of alcohol. They reportedly said that his eyes were glassy and bloodshot and that his speech was slurred. His belt was reportedly unbuckled and his pants had sagged below his waist. Tasew leaned against his vehicle as he was questioned and seemed to have trouble standing unassisted, police said.

Officers informed Tasew that they had been called to the area because of a report of a fight involving a gun. Tasew reportedly replied that he had been hit in the face. The officers noted that there appeared to be a lump between his eyebrows that was bleeding slightly, according to reports.

Tasew was asked if he needed medical attention but reportedly refused.

Police asked Tasew why he had fled when they approached and he reportedly answered, “Do what you gotta do then.”

When he was asked to provide his driver’s license he reportedly responded, “I don’t have a gun dog.”

According to police, Tasew was uncooperative during their questioning of him and shouted continuously, generally off-topic from their inquiries.

When asked once again why he fled the scene he reportedly told the officers, “Because I’m a god.”

The officers determined that Tasew was intoxicated while driving and placed him under arrest. He was charged with threat to commit a crime, failure to stop for police, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, and operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor.