By Jim Clark

A police officer on patrol near Davis Sq. early Sunday morning was alerted to the presence of a loud, disorderly man by a citizen who reportedly said that she had been screamed at by a man who passed her as she was walking on Holland St.

The officer caught up with the man in question, identified as Maurice Hall, 36, of Boston, as he walked along Holland St.

The officer reportedly watched as Hall screamed and removed newspapers from residents’ doorsteps, throwing them into the street.

The officer approached Hall and said, “Good morning Sir, can I talk to you?” Hall reportedly responded with loud threats and profanity directed at the officer.

The officer asked Hall to stop screaming, according to reports, and to calm down.

Again, Hall reportedly threatened the officer, at which time backup was called in.

Area residents were looking out their windows and passing vehicular traffic was slowing down due to Hall’s behavior, according the police.

At one point, Hall reportedly assumed a fighting stance against the officer and pepper spray was administered.

Hall was then placed under arrest and charged with disturbing the peace.