A man who stepped in to assist a group of brawling youths in central Dunedin yesterday was charged after he allegedly attempted to strangle a police officer while resisting arrest.
Police were called to reports of young people fighting outside a fast food restaurant on George St at around 3.40pm.
Sergeant Matthew Lee said the group fled when officers arrived but were located soon after on nearby Hanover St.
"While officers were speaking to the youths, a 67-year-old man – unknown to police or the youths – became involved as he didn’t think police were allowed to speak to youths," he said.
"The man was warned multiple times that he was obstructing police, and was told unless he moved he would be arrested."
Lee said the man continued to obstruct staff and allegedly pushed an officer when he was advised he was under arrest.
"An officer deployed pepper spray, and the pair fell to the ground where the man attempted to impede the officer’s breathing."
The man was arrested by arriving back-up units and was charged with obstruction, resisting police, assaulting police, and impeding breathing.
He was bailed and would appear in Dunedin District Court at a later date.
Three police officers received medical treatment following the incident.
SHARE ME