A Dunedin man unhappy about being searched during an early-morning arrest punched and tried to strangle an officer, police say.
Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said police were called to a house in Fitzroy St at 12.10am today after a man refused to leave it when the owner asked him to.
When officers arrived they located the 27-year-old, who was wanted for arrest on other matters, and escorted him to the police car.
Outside, the man became aggressive when searched by the arresting officer and punched him in the face, before grabbing him by the throat and trying to strangle him, Snr Sgt Bond said.
The man was taken to the ground by police but he continued to strangle the officer, it is alleged.
The officer managed to get himself free and overcome the man, who was then taken into custody.
The man was charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, resisting arrest and breaching a protection order.
He will appear in the Dunedin District Court today.
Snr Sgt Bond said the officer was fine and recovering at home with no injuries.
