A man caught carrying a crossbow in South Dunedin on Monday was yesterday found on the Southern Motorway with an axe in his hands.
Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said the 58-year-old man was seen walking south on Princes St late yesterday afternoon.
Police located him soon after on the Caversham bypass, still holding the axe while walking on the motorway shoulder.
He was arrested and charged with possession of an offensive weapon and bailed to appear in court.
Snr Sgt Bond said officers had spoken to the man on Monday after he was seen walking down Hillside Rd with a crossbow.
He was unable to give a reasonable excuse for having the crossbow in public, but "seemed to think he needed it for birds" and for protection.
The man was referred to mental health services after the first incident.
