KEY POINTS:
Pepper spray proved ineffective on a man who allegedly threatened police with a tomahawk and an axe today.
The 55-year-old man from the Otago township of Milton will appear in court tomorrow facing a series of charges.
Police first came into contact with the man when a lone officer stopped him in Milton about 1pm on suspicion of driving while disqualified.
Sergeant Marty Bull said the man ran from his car and into his house nearby. He then came out carrying the tomahawk and threatened the policeman.
The man was pepper-sprayed, but it did not have a "debilitating effect" and he went back inside.
Armed back-up for the policeman arrived, and the man allegedly reappeared soon after carrying a splitting axe and again making threats.
After going back inside for a third time, the man resurfaced and was then taken down by police.
The Armed Offenders Squad and a dog handler had been mobilised, but were not required.
The man is to face charges of driving while disqualified, refusing a blood sample, resisting police and two charges of possession of an offensive weapon. A further, more serious charge may also be laid.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
