ACC staff were allegedly threatened by an angry knife-wielding client in Rotorua yesterday.
The man walked up to staff behind the reception counter at the ACC office about 8.40am, said Senior Sergeant Dave Donaldson, of Rotorua police.
The staff saw the man approach and fled behind a security door before calling police.
On arrival police used pepper spray on the man, who was allegedly armed with a large sharp knife.
ACC staff were shaken but unhurt.
They were counselled by victim support and later reopened for business.
Mr Donaldson praised their handling of the situation.
Mr Donaldson said correct procedures were followed when spraying the man.
A 54-year-old unemployed Rotorua man is to appear in Rotorua District Court today charged with possessing an offensive weapon, two charges of assault with a weapon, and with disorderly behaviour.
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