Police on Monday arrested a Bath man who allegedly possessed a knife after he allegedly attacked a woman on Beacon Street and demanded money.

Scott J. Ryan, 23, is charged with robbery. Ryan allegedly attacked a 30-year-old woman and demanded she pay him $20.

At 6:43 p.m. on Monday, Officer Ted Raedel responded to the call on Beacon Street and said he observed Ryan throw a knife into some bushes as he pulled up to the scene. Ryan reportedly told Raedel that he used the knife to protect himself from a woman who had threatened to assault him.

Bath officers spoke to the woman and several witnesses. They were told that Ryan had assaulted the woman because he wanted her to pay him $20 that she owed him for a fish tank. The victim reported Ryan attempted to take her purse by pulling it from her arm. She said that she was knocked to the ground and dragged for a short distance, which resulted in abrasions and cuts to her left arm.

One of the witnesses came to the victim’s aid and was able to free her. The victim said she ran into a nearby residence as she was being chased by Ryan. She stated that Ryan had a knife in his hand when he chased her into the home demanding the money. The victim stated she threw $20 onto the ground.

She was then able to get to her vehicle and leave the area.

Ryan was was released on $500 cash bail. His West Bath Superior court date is scheduled for Oct. 9.