By Jim Clark

A Somerville police officer working a paid detail at the Joshua Tree nightclub and restaurant Sunday night took notice of an apparent disturbance taking place at the main entrance and approached the area to investigate.

The door staff was in the process of denying entry into the club by a female that they felt was too intoxicated to be allowed inside. She and a small group of friends she was with left without incident, but one member of her party, John Valdez, 27, reportedly became argumentative and confrontational over the issue with the club staffer who was tending the door.

The police officer stepped in and asked Valdez to leave the building. The officer reportedly noted that the hubbub had drawn a crowd, which was blocking access to and from the club’s entryway.

According to reports, Valdez then turned his argument toward the police officer. The officer asked Valdez to leave the club three more times but got no cooperation from him, after which he forcibly led the man outside.

Valdez reportedly demanded the officer’s badge number, which was given to him, and when the officer turned to close the club’s door the defendant smashed a plate glass window of the building with his hand, according to reports.

When informed that he would now be placed under arrest, Valdez reportedly attempted to flee, but was soon apprehended and held by the officer.

The officer reportedly struggled with Valdez, attempting to get handcuffs on him, but with no success.

Valdez was pinned to the wall by the officer until backup arrived, at which time he was handcuffed and placed under arrest and charged with destruction of property over $250, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.