A Scranton man punched a police officer in the face as he was being arrested for possession of marijuana, according to a criminal complaint.

Angel Nieves-Vazquez, 34, faces charges of aggravated assault of a police officer, interfering with law enforcement, resisting arrest and possessing a small amount of marijuana.

Officer Nicholas Brett was on patrol in South Scranton at about 6 p.m. on Wednesday when he spotted Nieves-Vazquez riding a bicycle on the left side of Elm Street toward traffic.

When Brett approached him and requested his identification, Nieves-Vazquez became aggressive and began arguing about the reason for the stop. Brett unsuccessfully tried to deescalate the situation.

When Nieves-Vazquez reached inside a satchel he was wearing, he produced a wallet but no identification. Brett spotted a red plastic bag inside the satchel with a marijuana leaf stamped on it. Nieves-Vazquez said it was “weed” but that he had a marijuana card.

When Brett examined the leafy substance, it was apparent it was not medicinal marijuana.

Nieves-Vazquez then started to breathe heavily and became increasingly agitated.

When Brett informed him that he would be handcuffed, Nieves-Vazquez tensed up and refused to put his hands behind his back.

Brett requested an additional unit respond to the scene.

Nieves-Vazquez then told Brett, “Don’t use aggression because I can use my aggression too.”

He then raised his left hand toward his chest and started to yell.

Nieves-Vazquez then pulled away from Brett and attempted to flee north on Cedar Avenue.

Brett deployed his Taser and Nieves-Vazquez fell to the ground, but immediately stood back up and punched Brett in the face.

Brett again stunned Nieves-Vazquez with his Taser, and the suspect again fell to the ground but immediately stood back up, then ran through a Cedar Avenue yard. Brett tackled him to the ground and, along with another officer, handcuffed Nieves-Vazquez, who continued to resist.

Officers searched Nieves-Vazquez after his arrest and found the marijuana in his satchel, three twisted bags of marijuana and a purple marijuana grinder.

Nieves-Vazquez, of 38 Crown Circle, remains at Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $10,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. on Sept. 30 before District Judge George Seig.