A Taradale man is facing charges after a machete was allegedly swung at police officers in the early hours of this morning.
A police inspector said “a moment’s delay could have been fatal” for the one of the officers, saying training played a role but “nothing prepares you for seeing your colleague being threatened with a machete”.
The incident began after a vehicle was seen driving with its headlights off at 1.30am on Kennedy Road in Napier.
A member of public directed police toward Clive where the vehicle was spotted doing “double the speed limit”, said police inspector Lincoln Sycamore.
Police were planning to set up cordons to stop the vehicle but it crashed into a fence on Waitangi Road in Awatoto — causing significant damage to the car and fence. Police said it was not being pursued at the time.
“A unit located the vehicle and the sole occupant, who was initially compliant. As police approached him, the man allegedly pulled a machete from the vehicle and began chasing one of the officers while swinging the weapon.
“Both officers deployed Tasers, which were ineffective in stopping the man, before he was subdued with OC spray.
“Neither officer was injured by the weapon.”
Sycamore said the officers were stood down for the rest of their shift, and one was treated at the scene for a minor injury but did not require hospital attention.
“I’m incredibly proud of their efforts. They were faced with a dangerous and unpredictable situation where a moment’s delay could have been fatal. They used training and experience to bring the alleged offender into custody without serious injury to him, or themselves.”
Sycamore said the incident was a reminder of needless violence police faced, often with little to no warning.
“While police are trained to make decisions rapidly and under pressure, nothing prepares you for seeing your colleague being threatened with a machete.”
Police said a 21-year-old has been charged with dangerous driving; possession of an offensive weapon; assaulting police; injuries with intent to cause grievous bodily harm; resisting police; threatening to kill; and driving with excess breath alcohol.
He was due to appear in Hastings District Court today.
