CARBONDALE – A Hurst man has been charged  in connection with two incidents in Carbondale.

According to Carbondale Police, they received a report about a woman screaming after she had been approached by a man trying to get her to hug him in the area of South Washington Street and East Walnut Street just after 1 a.m. Thursday.

The victim walked away from the suspect who continued to watch her while yelling insults. The suspect then quickly approached the victim again. The victim pulled out her pepper spray to defend herself and her cell phone in an attempt to call the police. The suspect continued to approach as the victim was calling 911, so she sprayed him with the pepper spray. The suspect attempted to take the victim’s cell phone and a struggle ensued.

Officers located and identified the suspect as 38-year-old Ryan M. Steinman of Hurst.

Officers arrested Steinman for Aggravated Battery and Disorderly Conduct.

During the course of the investigation, officers identified Steinman as the suspect in a prior case that happened near the intersection of South Illinois Avenue and West Grand Avenue on March 9. Officers charged Steinman with Aggravated Battery and Disorderly Conduct for that incident as well.

Steinman was lodged in the Jackson County Jail. The victim was also exposed to the pepper spray but was otherwise uninjured.

Carbondale Police say they are currently investigating both incidents.