A Dunedin man unhappy about being searched during an arrest punched and strangled a police officer, police say.
Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said police were called to a Fitzroy St, South Dunedin, address at 12.10am yesterday after a man refused to leave a property when asked to by the property owner.
When police arrived they located the 27-year-old man, who was wanted for arrest on other matters, and escorted him out to the police car.
When outside, the man became aggressive when being searched by the arresting officer and punched him in the face.
He then grabbed the officer by the throat and started to strangle him, Snr Sgt Bond said.
The man was taken to the ground by officers but he continued to try to strangle the officer.
The officer managed to free himself and overpower the man, who was taken into custody.
He was charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, resisting arrest and breaching a protection order.
Snr Sgt Bond said the assaulted officer was fine and was recovering at home.
