Man accused of reaching for cop’s gun at Melbourne Airport after allegedly trying to board flight without ticket

A man who allegedly tried to board an international flight without a ticket has been accused of reaching for a police officer’s gun at Melbourne Airport. The 35-year-old UK national was allegedly acting erratically when he allegedly tried to board an international flight without a ticket on Tuesday night. He is further accused of reaching for a police officer’s gun when the Australian Federal Police arrived and started to speak to him. Officers tried to restrain him but he allegedly resisted arrest, prompting police to deploy a taser and OC spray. Additional officers were also called in. The man was arrested about 5pm on December 16. He has since been charged with one count of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official and three counts of obstruction of a Commonwealth public official. AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Emily Nicholson said officers would intervene if anyone’s behaviour “becomes aggressive or violent”. “The AFP has zero tolerance for anti-social, violent or disruptive behaviour at our airport precincts, and we will take action against those who offend,” she said. The man has been remanded in custody and will front Melbourne Magistrates Court on March 16.