BY VINAYA SAKSENA

CENTRAL FALLS – A Warren man was arrested on drug and assault charges on Friday, after officers responded to a report of an assault at a Clay Street apartment.

Robert Areson, age 31, of 366 Main Street, Warren, was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana, first offense, simple assault or battery and resisting legal or illegal arrest on Friday, July 11 at approximately 7:01 p.m., police said. The incident also apparently led to local inspectors questioning the habitability of the residence where the incident allegedly occurred.
Police response to the incident allegedly began when officers reported to a Clay Street apartment for a report of a disturbance. There, they spoke to a woman who alleged that Areson had sprayed her with pepper spray and then “hit her in the head with a closed fist” while she was hanging out with friends in the apartment building, police said.
Police reported speaking with the resident of a “studio” apartment located in the basement of the building, where the assault allegedly took place. When they arrived, police said, Areson “began fumbling around with some items on top on the table.”
When asked to keep his hands out and away from his pockets for officer safety, Areson asked why, police said. However, while officers were surveying the apartment, he allegedly ran out of the apartment, crossing Cross Street onto Evaleen Street.
Officers reported following Areson and repeatedly telling him to stop. However, he did not, and the chase continued toward the Central Street intersection.
It was in this area, police said, that an officer was finally able to catch and restrain Areson, though he allegedly remained uncooperative. However, police were able to handcuff him and take him to headquarters.
Meanwhile, officers reported finding “a box of rolling papers with a green leafy substance” on the table where Areson had been “fumbling” earlier, as well as a “small silver scale.” These items were both confiscated as evidence, and the leafy substance later tested positive for the presence of THC, police reported. Areson was reportedly placed in a cell.
Later, police said Code Enforcement Inspector Kenneth Slowik arrived to inspect the property, and determined that “there was to be no legal residency in the basement area” and no permits issued for work done there. The residents were advised to leave the area until the housing department could speak with the building’s manager, police said.