Police officer attacked with baseball bat

A Police Officer in downtown New Plymouth was assaulted with a baseball bat tonight. Shortly after 11pm the Officer was speaking to people when a male approached him from behind and stuck him on the arm with a baseball bat.

The assaulted Officer used his pepper spray to defend himself and after a foot pursuit the offender was apprehended.

A 22 year old male is appearing in the New Plymouth District this morning facing charges of assault with a weapon.

The Officer suffered severe bruising but fortunately no broken bones.