LEWISTON – A local man was arrested on several charges Monday after a scuffle with a police officer sent powdered cocaine spilling onto Horton Street.

Chris M. Cook, 31, was jailed on charges of possessing cocaine, assault on a police officer, vehicle theft, refusal to submit to arrest and habitual driving without a license.

Police said Cook was driving a stolen minivan when he was approached by an officer at about 6:30 p.m. at Horton and Walnut streets.

Officer Tim Darnell first told Cook to move his vehicle after Cook parked on the wrong side of the street, police said.

After running a registration check on the Dodge minivan, Darnell learned the vehicle had been reported stolen in South Portland. He then walked up to the vehicle and told Cook to step out. A scuffle ensued as Darnell tried to take Cook into custody in front of the Washtub, a laundry on the downtown corner.

Police said Cook tried to reach for Darnell’s gun as the two men scrapped in the street. The pair then fell to the ground and Darnell got the suspect subdued and handcuffed.

Several police officers swarmed on the corner and Darnell and Cook were both taken to Central Maine Medical Center with cuts and scrapes. Both men were later released from the hospital. Cook was taken to the Androscoggin County Jail in Auburn and Darnell returned to the police station to join an investigation.

Police said Cook, who has a criminal history of stealing cars, had recently been released from the Cumberland County Jail in Portland. Investigators said he stole the Caravan in recent days and drove it to Lewiston.

The cocaine that fell into the street came from either Cook’s pocket or the minivan, police said. Investigators gathered up roughly an eighth of an ounce of the powder and tested it. The powder proved to be cocaine, police said.

The Caravan was impounded as part of the investigation.