A South Boston man with a history of assault charges was released from custody after being arraigned on a charge of assaulting an MBTA Transit Police officer.

“Every time a police officer puts on the uniform and goes into the field the reality exists that something unpredictable, and perhaps dangerous, is going to confront them. This incident is a good example,” Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in a statement announcing the charge. “I’m grateful that no one was hurt here and I commend the officer involved for handling the matter in such a professional manner.”

The way prosecutors tell it, Jesus Torres, 22, had no reason to harass and then attempt to fight the unnamed MBTA police officer on his way from Andrew Station into a 7-11 on Dorchester Avenue at around 6:45 p.m. Feb. 13.

Prosecutors say Torres “began shouting expletives at the officer,” and then walked over and “continued to verbally accost him” and demanded that the officer “do something.” The officer allegedly tried to create distance and deescalate by extending his arm and telling Torres to back up.

Instead, prosecutors say, Torres followed the officer into the 7-Eleven, stood “approximately 6 inches away and shouted at the officer to buy him food.” The cashier told Torres to leave, but Torres allegedly poked the officer in the back and then his badge and kept screaming expletives.

The officer called for backup and stepped outside where, prosecutors say, Torres got into a fighting stance. Officers were able to arrest Torres and allegedly found about 11 grams of suspected fentanyl on him.

Torres, who already has a pending assault on an elderly or disabled person out of Chelsea District Court, was charged with disorderly conduct, possession of a class A substance and trafficking fentanyl.

South Boston municipal court Judge Margaret Albertson released Torres on his personal recognizance and ordered a mental health evaluation. Torres is due back in court on March 13.