Paul Rodgers with files from Cst. Katie Forgeron

A man is in custody after brandishing a machete at police officers, according to a release from the Cranbrook RCMP detachment.

At approximately midnight of September 7, police officers walking in downtown Cranbrook were informed by a pedestrian that a man had attempted to instigate a fight with him. The police approached the man in a brightly lit area wearing vests that clearly read “POLICE.” The man proceeded to challenge the officers to a fight.

Police attempted to speak with the man, who then reached into the vehicle and pulled out a machete, removed it from its sheath and held it up over his head.

According to the release, several tense moments passed before the officers were able to convince the man to put down his weapon. He was then arrested and taken into police custody.

Cranbrook RCMP are requesting numerous charges against the 25 year old Cranbrook resident including Assault with a weapon and Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose.