UM student charged after street encounter

A University of Maine student was charged with disorderly conduct and assault on a police officer Sunday night.

Student Shane Smith, 24, was walking down the street with an open 40-ounce beer when Todd Pooler of UM’s department of public safety drove by him. Smith raised his beer to Pooler as he passed, according to police reports.

When Pooler stopped and questioned Smith, the student allegedly became belligerent and got into an altercation with the officer, according to reports.

Smith was charged and taken to the Penobscot County Jail, and has since been released.

The incident also was referred to UM’s Office of Judicial Affairs, since Smith allegedly violated the student conduct code.