Attributable to Inspector Jason Guthrie, Area Commander, Otago Coastal:
At approximately 3:20pm today Police were called to Princes Street, Dunedin, in relation to an alleged robbery.
Shortly afterwards, Police located and approached a person of interest on Bond Street.
In the course of attempting to apprehend the man, Police deployed OC spray and a Taser.
An experienced male officer unfortunately sustained moderate facial injuries after he was allegedly assaulted with a weapon while apprehending the man.
The officer has been treated at Dunedin Hospital and will likely be released later today. He is in good spirits despite his injuries.
Otago Coastal Area Commander, Inspector Jason Guthrie, commended the injured officer, and the additional attending officers, for resolving the incident so promptly.
"Police regularly display significant courage in situations that challenge their personal safety, and this is a great example of that. However, it is extremely disappointing to have an officer injured in this way."
The officer will be well supported by his colleagues and the New Zealand Police welfare network, and he has indicated his desire to return to work at the earliest opportunity.
A full investigation of the wider circumstances surrounding the original incident has been commenced.
A 20-year-old man has been arrested and is due to appear in Dunedin District Court on Friday 9 February, facing several charges.
Police are not seeking anyone else.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre