Police are appealing for information after an officer recieved deep cuts to his arm while pursuing a fleeing man with a knife.
Officers were at the Mann St campground in Queenstown at 11.30pm on Thursday attending an unrelated matter when they noticed a man acting suspiciously in a outside cabin.
The officer approached the man who fled on foot.
As the man climbed over a fence the officer grabbed his arm and the man dropped a knife. The officer found a large kitchen knife when he returned to the fence.
The officer received two large lacerations to his arm and needed eight stitches.
He didn't realise he had been cut until he returned to the police vehicle, police say.
Otago Lakes Area Commander Inspector Olaf Jensen says, "No officer expects to come to work and become injured in this way, and we want to hold this offender to account."
The offender is described as bering 170-180cm tall and was wearing a dark beanie, a dark long-sleeved hoodie and dark pants.
Members of the public who have any information about the incident are urged to contact Detective Lisa Watt of Queenstown Police on 03 4714800 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Newshub.
