Rooftop Drama After Man Flees Police in Lyneham
A 30-year-old man created a dangerous situation in a Canberra suburb on Saturday afternoon after throwing a large handmade axe while attempting to escape police officers. The incident unfolded at an apartment complex in Lyneham around 4pm on November 29, 2025, when police responded to reports of a disturbance.
Chase Leads to Discovery of Weapons
Upon arrival, officers immediately recognised the man as being wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant. The warrant was issued after he failed to appear in the ACT Supreme Court in June 2025. When police approached, the man reportedly fled on foot, initiating a chase through the residential area.
During the pursuit, police witnessed the man discard an object into nearby bushes. After securing the area, officers retrieved the item and identified it as a large homemade axe. The situation escalated further when the man began climbing onto the roof of the unit complex, where he allegedly started threatening the officers below.
Negotiations and Arrest
ACT police officers engaged in negotiations with the man on the roof. Following these discussions, the 30-year-old was successfully taken into custody without further incident. A subsequent search of the man and his belongings revealed more concerning items.
Police allegedly located a meat cleaver knife and a single round of ammunition in his possession. The discovery of these additional weapons led to further charges beyond the original warrant.
The man has been formally charged with multiple offences including:
- Possessing an offensive weapon
- Committing an act to cause public alarm
- Possessing a knife without reasonable excuse
- Possessing ammunition
He was scheduled to face the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday, December 1, 2025 to answer to these charges. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of police work and the risks officers face when responding to routine calls.
