Former MAFS star Tim Smith performs dramatic citizen’s arrest on machete-wielding teen

Former MAFS contestant turned political hopeful Tim Smith has detailed the moment he performed a dramatic citizen’s arrest on a machete-wielding teen in Prahran. SEE THE VIDEO

Former Married at First Sight contestant turned political hopeful Tim Smith has detailed the moment he performed a dramatic citizen’s arrest on a machete-wielding youth.

The independent candidate for Melbourne was walking with his campaign manager on Izett St in Prahran on Friday afternoon when a group of teenage boys sprinted past just before 3pm.

Police said two teens were chasing another boy down the street, with one of the alleged offenders waving the weapon.

Mr Smith told the Herald Sun he began hearing screams before the two alleged teen offenders sprinted past, prompting him to jump into action.

“It takes a second for your brain to click,” he said.

“But then I just chased them.”

As he sprinted after them, he said one of the teenagers yelled “I’m going to cut you, I’m going to cut you.”

“I thought he was going to turn around and come at me,” he said.

Mr Smith chased the boy for 200m before pinning him down. Picture: Supplied

Furious with soaring crime in Melbourne – an issue which has put major pressure on Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan – Mr Smith said there was no way he was backing down.

“(One of the teens) then started running out of steam, dropped the knife and I pinned him against the wall,” he said.

“I realise that he’s underage but I don’t give a s--t about your tears, about your crying.”

Dramatic footage shows Mr Smith standing in front of the alleged teen offender as police arrive.

One woman can be heard accusing him of taking photos of a minor, while Mr Smith’s campaign manager, who is recording on his phone, responds: “He’s a criminal”.

In another video, a police officer can be seen holding a machete as he speaks to the teenager.

Mr Smith slammed Mr Bandt for the “out-of-control” crime in inner Melbourne.

“Adam has been here for 10 years and what has he done for the city?” he said.

Despite being a political novice, Mr Smith said he was confident the electorate would back him in.

“I’m going to win it,” he said.

The police arrived a short time later and arrested the 14-year-old, who began to sob as he was apprehended.

The former MAFS star said he held concerns for the woman who had reportedly been terrorised before the ordeal unfolded in front of him.

Police were due to interview the 14-year-old boy later on Friday.

Mr Smith, who announced his plans to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming election after his stint on popular reality show Married at First Sight last year, said his decision to run was motivated by Melbourne’s knife crime scourge.

His seat is currently safely held by Greens leader Adam Bandt on a margin of 6.5 per cent.

Mr Smith, 52, was married to Lucinda Light in a pairing that has been described as “hot and cold”.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police with their inquiries should Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

Originally published as Former MAFS star Tim Smith performs dramatic citizen’s arrest on machete-wielding teen