A man has been arrested after threatening an Off-Duty Auxiliary Officer with a knife and stealing his bag at the Nightcliff Woolworths.

About 0900 this morning Police received a report an offender grabbed a person’s bag and then threatened him with a large knife after he refused to let go of it.

The bag contained the Auxiliary Officer’s personal belongings including his wallet and mobile phone.

A short time later, the offender was located by attending officers but he ran from the scene, crossing mudflats and entering the ocean in an attempt to avoid apprehension.

“Police negotiators and Water Police attempted to speak to the person, but he continued to act in an aggressive manner and refused to surrender the knife.” Said Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Chris Board.

“Upon threatening Officers with the knife, Police were forced to use OC spray to subdue him.”

The offender is currently in Police custody and investigations are continuing.