Police praise for Taser

Hawke's Bay police believe the threat of being tasered prompted a youth to surrender his weapon, avoiding a potentially violent incident.

Eastern operations manager Inspector Mike O'Leary said a 16-year-old Hastings youth had allegedly become violent, agitated and was threatening people with a large kitchen knife.

"He had allegedly cut family members who had tried to subdue him and take the knife from him," Mr O'Leary said of last week's incident.

"The youth broke loose from the family members and approached police holding and pointing the knife at them. He was verbally abusing and threatening them."

An officer pointed the Taser at the youth and warned he would be hit with 50,000 volts if he did not surrender.

"The offender immediately threw the knife away and followed police directions to lie on the floor, where he was handcuffed," Mr O'Leary said.

He hailed the deterrent effects of the Taser, saying it was a perfect example of how they could be used.

A 16-year-old youth was charged with possessing an offensive weapon and will appear in the Hastings Youth Court on Thursday.

- NZPA