Lawrence police arrested a 21-year-old Platte City, Mo., man on an aggravated assault charge early Sunday after he was accused of threatening a Lawrence man with a knife in downtown Lawrence.

Sgt. Matt Sarna, a police spokesman, said the victim alleged he was sitting on a sidewalk when the suspect at 11:50 p.m. Saturday walked by him and started a verbal argument. They got into a physical altercation in which the suspect displayed a knife and attempted to strike the victim with it, Sarna said.

The suspect, who was accused of being under the influence of alcohol, then ran from the area, and officers a short time later found him near Eighth and Vermont streets and arrested him. No injuries were reported.

The suspect posted $2,500 bond Sunday evening and was given notice to appear in jail Oct. 24, meaning Douglas County prosecutors can make a decision about formal charges before then.

The Journal-World generally does not identify suspects unless they are formally charged.