Midland Detectives arrested a 48 year old man last night (16 January 2018) after he allegedly lit fires in scrub land along Roe Highway near Morrison Road in Midvale.
It will be alleged around 8:20pm, an off duty officer driving north on Roe Highway sighted the man walking south along the verge of Roe Highway, setting fire to the grass.
The off duty officer approached the man who then threatened the officer with a metal bar. The officer identified himself as a police officer to the man who refused to drop the weapon.
Members of the public attempted to help the officer but it was deemed unsafe for them to do so.
Police arrived a short time later and the man was taken into custody. He was conveyed to St John of God Hospital in Midland for assessment.
The 48 year old man from Hazelmere has been charged with:
- Wilfully Lights or Causes to be Lit or Attempts to Light a Fire;
- Going Armed in Public to Cause Fear;
- Obstruct Police Officer;
- Disorderly Conduct; and
- Possess Prohibited Drug.
He is due to appear before the Midland Magistrates Court today, 17 January 2018.
Investigators are requesting anyone who was travelling in the area around the above time to check if they have any dash cam footage of the incident. Anyone with any information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.