Man run down after axe put through police bonnet

A man was run down by a police car after he axed the bonnet today.

Acting Inspector Duncan MacLeod said a patrol car was sent to a Wanganui park at about 12.50am following a report of suspicious activity and the two officers inside were confronted by a man.

He smashed the bonnet of the vehicle with an axe and as he prepared to swing the axe for a second time - at the policewoman driver - she drove forward pinning him under the vehicle.

The man received minor burns and bruising.

Mr MacLeod said a 22-year-man would appear in Wanganui Ditrict Court this afternoon facing charges of criminal damage, wilful damage, assault with a weapon and possession of an offensive weapon.

Mr MacLeod said the matter was being reported to the Police Complaints Authority.

- NZPA