Knife-wielding man abuses officers after being told to don a mask amid lockdown, police allege

A violent incident exploded after police ordered a man to wear a face mask during a snap lockdown.

A 55-year-old man was tasered by police in a violent altercation after allegedly producing a pocket knife when asked to wear a COVID-19 mask.

A 55-year-old man was tasered by police in a violent altercation after allegedly producing a pocket knife when asked to wear a COVID-19 mask.

Perth and Peel are in the midst of a three-day lockdown due to an outbreak that originated at the Mercure Hotel in the CBD.

Restrictions in place under the lockdown stipulate people must wear a mask when leaving the house and they can only go out for four reasons, including for one hour of exercise.

However, Mirrabooka Police say they were forced to taser a man after he allegedly pulled a knife when they spoke to him about not wearing one.

They say they were on patrol about 4.05pm on Saturday when they spotted the man not wearing a mask outside a supermarket in Nollamara and after they asked him to put one on, he swore at them and pulled a folding knife from his pocket.

The man allegedly refused numerous requests to put the weapon down and continued shouting and abusing officers, still holding the knife.

As there were numerous members of the public close by, officers deployed a Taser, causing the man to fall to the ground.

He was taken into custody and is due to front Perth Magistrates Court on Sunday, charged with being armed in a way to cause fear and disorderly behaviour in a public place.