Police are praising a group of people in the West Coast township of Haast who helped handcuff a man during a violent encounter with a police officer.
Constable Paul Gurney was called to a domestic incident yesterday evening in an area without cellphone coverage, and where the nearest police back-up was 1.5 hours away.
He contacted a person who knew the alleged offender and who agreed to come and help, and the local volunteer fire service was also rallied.
Mr Gurney eventually subdued the man with a taser, and a member of the public then helped him handcuff the man.
Acting West Coast Commander Iain McKenzie said the community response was outstanding.
A 53-year-old Haast man appeared in the Greymouth District Court today to face assault and intentional damage charges.
