By Jim Clark

Police were dispatched to a Dickinson St. location Sunday morning on reports that a man had assaulted a contracted snowplow driver with a snow shovel.

Upon arrival, officers spoke to the alleged victim, a snowplow truck driver contracted by the City of Somerville, who claimed he was attacked and struck by a local resident with a snow shovel.

According to the victim, the alleged assailant, Joseph Costa, was upset because the plow had pushed snow onto the driveway of his residence on Dickinson St.

Costa reportedly attempted to halt the progress of the snowplow by jumping in front of it, and then he approached the driver’s side and argued with the driver about the plowing. Costa accused the driver of trying to run him over, according to reports.

The dispute escalated to the point where Costa reportedly struck the driver with a snow shovel, leaving marks on his face and hands.

The victim reportedly managed to grab hold of the shovel, preventing further injury to himself, and another man arrived and attempted to hold Costa back.

According to reports, Costa eventually freed himself and his shovel and struck the vehicle as he walked away, cracking its rain visor.

Police questioned witnesses who corroborated the driver’s story.

Costa was placed under arrest and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and destruction of property over $250.