An Erie man wanted since early July on charges of robbing a man in June faces additional criminal charges after city police said he fought with officers and tried to steal a police cruiser when he was taken into custody on Thursday morning.Police said they encountered 20-year-old Joel J. Ortiz in the 500 block of Liberty Street after officers were called there at about 2:20 a.m. to investigate a reported disturbance. Ortiz was wanted on robbery and other charges for a June 19 incident in which a man was assaulted and robbed at West 26th and Chestnut streets police said.

After being handcuffed and placed in the back of a police cruiser, police said Ortiz managed to get his arms in front of him and he pried open the window separating the front and back seats of the patrol car. Ortiz then climbed headfirst through the opening and onto the front seat, where he tried to drive off in the car, police said.Police said Ortiz also fought with and spit on officers.

Ortiz was arraigned before Erie 5th Ward District Judge Joseph Lefaiver on charges of robbery and assault in the June 19 incident; and on charges of escape, aggravated harassment, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, purchase/consumption of alcohol and theft by unlawful taking for his alleged actions after being placed in police custody.Lefaiver placed Ortiz in the Erie County Prison on bonds totaling $50,000.