Alleged attack on police dog and handler

File photo / Martin Sykes

A Blenheim police dog handler and his dog were allegedly attacked by a man armed with two large wooden stakes after they confronted him hitting passingc ars with them on State Highway 1.

A 36-year-old beneficiary was arrested at Grovetown, 3.8km north of Blenheim, about 2.20am yesterday, and charged with assault with intent to injure and three counts of wilful damage, the Marlborough Express reported.

Constable Michelle Stagg said police were called to the stretch of SH1 after receiving complaints from motorists that a man had jumped onto the road and was hitting passing cars with the stakes.

The dog handler told the man he would release his dog if he refused to surrender the stakes.

Instead the man allegedly threw one of them at him, hitting his chin and collar bone. He then allegedly attacked the police dog with the other stake.

A passing truck driver helped restrain the man because the officer was unable to use his left arm, Ms Stagg said.

The officer received extensive bruising to his collar bone and chest and was treated for a graze on his chin.

The accused man was scheduled to appear in Blenheim District Court today.

- NZPA