The threat of being shocked by a taser was enough to convince a man to surrender after a three-hour standoff in Hamilton this morning.
Police were called to the suburb of Pukete just after 8am by a woman jogger who complained the man was following her.
When an officer approached the man and attempted to take his car keys from him, he drove off, dragging the officer for 20m behind his car before it crashed into a tree. The officer was hospitalised as a result of the incident.
The 36-year-old driver, wearing only track pants, then fled to nearby Waikato River, where he stood waist deep in water and waved sticks at police while they tried to negotiate with him.
A taser was flown to the scene in a police helicopter from Auckland to help with negotiations.
Acting city area commander Inspector Karen Hendrikson said the taser was the best tactical option as the man appeared dangerous and police didn't want injury to either party.
"His behaviour at this stage was quite irrational and threatening and it was assessed the safest option was to let him cool down in the river and allow negotiators to develop a dialogue," Ms Hendrikson said.
Difficult terrain meant police ruled out using pepper spray or police dogs.
When the taser's capabilities were explained, the man was "completely compliant".
He was taken into custody was being spoken to this evening in regards to a range of offences.
"Meanwhile our injured staff member is as well as can be expected in the circumstances and is recovering in Waikato Hospital."
