Key Takeaways
- A 30-year-old man in Dunedin, New Zealand, allegedly attacked police with a knife and his teeth, leaving one officer in the hospital with bite wounds.
- The man was involved in an "ongoing harassment" campaign against the owner of a South Dunedin business, whom he allegedly ran over with his car months earlier.
- The incident occurred on Friday morning, and the man was charged with several offenses, including unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, injuring with intent to injure, and possession of an offensive weapon.
- The officer who was bitten will require ongoing blood checks due to concerns about contracting Hepatitis.
- The man is scheduled to appear in court on Christmas Eve to face the charges.
Introduction to the Incident
The incident in question began on Friday morning, when a 30-year-old man came to the attention of police after an "ongoing harassment" campaign against the owner of a South Dunedin business. According to Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, the man had previously run over the owner with his car and had been engaging in harassment since then. On Friday, the man entered the office of the Bridgman St business, looking for the owner, and was confronted by staff. When police were called, they found the man walking along King Edward St and approached him on foot, telling him he was under arrest.
The Arrest and Alleged Attack
As the police officers approached the man, he brandished a knife, but eventually threw it away. The man was then handcuffed and restrained, but began "kicking and pulling against police" while being searched. When he was taken to the ground, he allegedly bit one of the police officers under the right armpit, puncturing the skin. The officer was taken to the hospital to be assessed, and there are concerns about the possibility of 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 Previous Interactions
The 30-year-old man has a history of interactions with the Bridgman St business and its owner. According to Senior Sergeant Bond, the man had previously run over the owner with his car on May 31, and had been engaging in ongoing harassment since then. The man had been charged with wilful damage and assault with a blunt instrument in relation to the previous incident, and had appeared in court on several occasions. The latest incident has resulted in several new charges, including unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, injuring with intent to injure, and possession of an offensive weapon.
Witness Account and Aftermath
A witness to the arrest, Liam O’Neill, managing director of Hobby Lords, described the scene as "pretty dramatic". O’Neill watched the arrest from the window of his King Edward St store, and said the man was "pretty aggressive with the cops". The police officers were "really put through the wringer" with the man, who was strong and fought every inch of the way. The incident occurred while it was pouring down with rain, making the scene even more chaotic. The man is currently scheduled to appear in the Dunedin District Court on Christmas Eve to face the charges.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by police officers in their daily work. The alleged attack on the police officers, including the biting incident, has resulted in one officer being hospitalized and requiring ongoing blood checks. The man’s history of interactions with the Bridgman St business and its owner, as well as his previous charges and court appearances, suggest a pattern of behavior that is concerning and potentially violent. The outcome of the court case on Christmas Eve will be important in determining the man’s future and the consequences of his actions.
