Key Takeaways:
- A 30-year-old man in Dunedin was arrested after allegedly lashing out at police with a knife and biting one officer, leaving them with puncture wounds.
- The officer who was bitten will require ongoing blood checks due to concerns about contracting Hepatitis.
- The man has a history of harassment against the owner of a South Dunedin business, including allegedly running them over with his car.
- The incident occurred after the man entered the business and was confronted by staff, leading to a police response.
- The man has been charged with multiple offenses, including unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, injuring with intent to injure, and possession of an offensive weapon.
Introduction to the Incident
A disturbing incident unfolded in Dunedin, New Zealand, on Friday morning, when a 30-year-old man allegedly attacked police with a knife and bit one officer, leaving them with puncture wounds. The man, who has a history of harassment against the owner of a South Dunedin business, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses. The incident began when the man entered the business, prompting staff to call the police. According to Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, the man had been involved in an "ongoing harassment" campaign against the business owner, which included allegedly running them over with his car in a previous incident.
The Arrest and Confrontation
The man was confronted by police on King Edward St, where he brandished a knife before throwing it away. Despite being handcuffed and restrained, the man began "kicking and pulling against police," according to Snr Sgt Bond. When he was taken to the ground, he bit one of the police officers under the right armpit, puncturing the skin. The officer was taken to hospital for assessment and will require ongoing blood checks due to concerns about contracting Hepatitis or other diseases transferable through saliva into broken skin. The man also allegedly tried to bite two other police staff while on the ground and a fourth officer while being transferred to the police vehicle.
Background and History
The man has a history of interactions with the Bridgman St business, including a previous incident in which he allegedly ran over the owner with his car. This incident occurred on May 31, when the man crashed into the back of a car in Bedford St, St Clair. When the business owner arrived to check on the damage, the man allegedly got back into his car and drove off, knocking the owner to the ground. He was charged with wilful damage and assault with a blunt instrument. The latest incident is the latest in a string of interactions between the man and the business, which has been the subject of ongoing harassment.
The Charges and Court Appearance
The man appeared in the Dunedin District Court on Saturday, charged with multiple offenses, including unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, injuring with intent to injure, unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, and possession of an offensive weapon. A Ministry of Justice spokesman confirmed that the man is scheduled to next appear in court on Christmas Eve, in relation to all seven charges. The man’s history of violence and harassment has raised concerns about his behavior and the need for ongoing monitoring and intervention.
Eyewitness Account
An eyewitness, Liam O’Neill, managing director of Hobby Lords, witnessed the arrest from the window of their King Edward St store. He described the scene as "pretty dramatic" and said that it was "for almost Christmas morning." O’Neill and his staff stopped work for 20 minutes to watch the arrest, which involved multiple police officers and the use of force to subdue the man. O’Neill described the man as "pretty aggressive" and said that he was "fighting every inch of the way" as he was taken into custody. The incident highlights the challenges and risks faced by police officers in their daily work and the need for effective training and equipment to manage violent and aggressive individuals.
