A police party that attempted to apprehend a man who threw stones at their service vehicle on Saturday had to beat a hasty retreat when the accused started to throw more of the missiles at them.

Charged with being in possession of an offensive weapon, stone throwing, assault at common-law, and possession of ganja is Junior Smith, 35, of Browns Hall, St Catherine.

Reports reaching The Star are that on Saturday, police personnel from the Browns Hall station were travelling in the area.

Upon reaching a section of the road near the Tacious Golding High School, they saw stones being hurled into the air near the police service vehicle. The police stopped the vehicle and allegedly saw Smith in nearby bushes throwing stones at them.

Upon trying to advance, they were repelled by more stones. They managed to drive away and hide the vehicle.

The police eventually used the cover of bushes to approach the man.

"When we eventually approached him, he had a ganja cigar and a machete in hand. We asked him to drop the weapon, and he reluctantly did so," a sergeant said.

The Star was informed that the man, who is believed to be of unsound mind, is a constant problem for the police.

"Da bwoy even attack the police dem what work down at di school wid stone. If dem a come and see him, dem haffi turn back," a resident said.

The police have confirmed that it was not the first time that the accused man has had a run-in with them.

The Star was informed that Smith is to face the court later his week.

- R.T.