16 Oct 2010

Police officers assisted by public during attack

11:46 am on 16 October 2010

Members of the public helped restrain a man who attacked two police officers during a routine inquiry in Alexandra, Central Otago, on Friday night.

One officer received a blow to her head while the second received a blow to his jaw and was bitten on the arm.

Both required medical attention.

The incident occurred at 11.20pm after the officers found a man in a hotel, who was suspected of damaging a patrol car.

The officers used pepper spray on the man but members of the public had to to step in and help restrain him.

A member of the public was assaulted during the episode.

Inspector Mike Cook says that without the help of the public, the situation could have been far worse for the officers.

A man, 21, appeared in Dunedin District Court on Saturday morning on five charges including aggravated assault on police and assaulting a person assisting police.