A man is facing charges after he allegedly broke into Murupara’s police station yesterday.
The man allegedly smashed a glass door at the unmanned station at around 6.45am on Wednesday.
Police, with some staff armed as a precaution, cordoned off Pine Dr between Oregon Dr and Main Rd.
Acting Bay of Plenty District Commander Lincoln Sycamore said an axe and a machete were located during a search of the man’s vehicle along with a chainsaw that had been thrown over the fence.
The police negotiation team were called to assist and engaged with the man for several hours before he was arrested outside the station just after midday.
He was charged with committing burglary with a weapon and intentional damage.
Sycamore said the station had been secured and that repairs would begin as soon as possible.
“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and further charges are possible.”
A 55-year-old Whakatāne man is expected to appear in the Rotorua District Court today.