Local man arrested after allegedly punching officer in the face

Columbus police officers arrested a local man early Tuesday morning after he allegedly punched an officer in the face in an effort to get away. Authorities say that at approximately 2:30 a.m., an officer stopped Steven J. Richcreek, 27, of Columbus, for riding a bicycle without proper lighting on Indiana Avenue near South Beatty Street.

After the officer confirmed that Richcreek was wanted on two local warrants, he attempted to take him into custody. During the scuffle, Richcreek reportedly punched the officer in the face and attempted to flee on foot. The officer chased after Richcreek and tackled him to the ground a short time later. After Richcreek was handcuffed, the officer reported finding synthetic marijuana in Richcreek’s clothing.

In addition to the warrants, Richcreek is facing new preliminary charges of:
Resisting Law Enforcement (Level 6 Felony)
Possession of a Look-a-Like Drug (Class A Misdemeanor)
Battery on a Police Officer (Level 6 Felony)