Taser used in arrest

Fracas at RBT stop

A MAN allegedly under the influence of drugs had to be pepper sprayed and then hit with a stun gun several times before police could arrest him.

What started as a random breath test by Townsville’s Rapid Action Patrol group ( RAP) on Monday night ended with an injured officer and a man charged with an array of offences.

Police will allege the man was sitting in the back seat of a car when it was pulled over by police for an RBT.

The driver got out of the car and the passenger allegedly jumped in the driver’s seat and tried to take off before a scuffle broke out, with police trying to pull him out of the car.

District duty officer Senior Sergeant Scott Warrick said the 39- year- old Cannonvale man allegedly resisted arrest and would not comply with directions from police.

“A Taser and OC spray was deployed during the arrest ... during the confrontation a window was smashed as offi- cers were trying to remove the key from the ignition,” Sen- Sgt Warrick said.

“Police will allege he’s gone from the back seat and tried to take off. Police have tried to stop the vehicle from going and there has been a struggle, where spray and a Taser was deployed.”

The man was wanted on a number of other matters, before being charged with an array of new offences from this latest incident.

Inspector Mark Jackson said the officer who cut his arm during the struggle and the offender were taken to Townsville Hospital.

“An officer suffered a small cut to his forearm when the window in the car got broken in the struggle ... ( the offender) was taken to hospital for a check- up and to the watchhouse after that,” Insp Johnson said.

The 39- year- old man was charged with contravening a direction or requirement of police, serious assault of police, attempt to put in motion a vehicle while under the influence of liquor or a drug and possess dangerous drug.

He was remanded in custody and will face Townsville Magistrates Court today.