KEY POINTS:
Police pepper-sprayed a New Plymouth man outside his own home because they suspected he was a burglar.
It took the man, heavily under the influence of alcohol according to police, some time to convince them it was his home.
Burglaries in the city had spiralled in the past fortnight so police were quick to respond late on Monday night when a Pioneer Rd resident called, concerned a burglar was trying to break in to a neighbouring house, the Taranaki Daily News reported.
Senior Sergeant Selwyn Wansbrough said the man spat at and abused police and threw at least one punch.
The 42-year-old man, well-known to police, was pepper-sprayed, handcuffed and arrested for disorderly behaviour.
Back at the station he assured them it was his home and he had recently returned after being away for eight weeks.
- NZPA
