Gun-wielding man arrested

A man wandering near houses in an ‘‘agitated state’’ with a rifle was arrested in central Christchurch yesterday. The Armed Offenders Squad and a dog unit were dispatched to arrest the man at the intersection of Bealey Ave and Manchester St at 8.45am. A police spokeswoman said a 44-year-old man was arrested on Bealey Ave and a rifle was found nearby. The man was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition. He will appear in the Christchurch District Court today.