A Middleport man picked the wrong time to try to bum a cigarette.

Two Tamaqua police officers were asked near Tamaqua Borough hall on June 20 when a man walked up and asked one if he had an extra cigarette. After being told no, he turned and began to walk away. Sticking out of his back pocket was a syringe, plainly visible to the officers.An officer went over to the man, later identified as Joseph Anthony Rolenaitis, 22, of 4 Main St., Middleport. When asked about the syringe, Rolenaitis reached back to take it out of his pocket. The officer tried to stop him, but the syringe and a metal spoon, with powder residue, fell to the ground.Rolenaitis pulled away and began running. When he refused to stop, the officer used his Taser, bringing an end to the escape attempt.Charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct were filed with the office of District Magistate Stephen Bayer.