BY VINAYA SAKSENA

CENTRAL FALLS — A 19-year-old man was arrested by police this weekend after allegedly running from and then striking an officer after a traffic stop, police said.

The suspect was identified by police as Octavio Lubo of 86 Cross St., 1st, Central Falls. He was charged with driving after denial, suspension or revocation of a license, resisting legal or illegal arrest, simple assault or battery and duty on collision with unattended vehicle, according to an arrest report.
The incident allegedly began on Saturday, July 26 at approximately 6:45 p.m., when Officer Joseph DeCristoforo reported stopping a vehicle on Illinois Street due to loud music. When DeCristoforo asked the driver, identified as Lubo, for his license, Lubo allegedly responded that he did not have a valid Rhode Island license, and a status check allegedly confirmed that his license was suspended.
DeCristoforo then reported asking Lubo to exit his vehicle and attempting to arrest him. However, Lubo then allegedly fled the scene, with DeCristoforo and Officer David Hemond pursuing him. The officers eventually caught up with him in the area of Illinois and Summer streets, and attempted to place him under arrest.
Police indicated that Lubo refused to comply with their orders and resisted their attempt to arrest him, striking DeCristoforo “under the left eye causing a bruise.” Officers eventually managed to get him under control and took him to police headquarters, where he was placed in a cell to await processing.
According to DeCristoforo’s report, Lubo had apparently struck a vehicle belonging to a Central Falls resident prior to his arrest, causing minor damage to its rear bumper. The vehicle he had been driving was towed from the scene and eventually released to its registered owner, police said. Lubo, meanwhile, was reportedly held until the following morning for arraignment.