Dunedin Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond said police arrested a 15-year-old girl at around midday yesterday after allegedly spraying graffiti on nine buildings in central Dunedin.
During the arrest, she bit an arresting officer, drawing blood and causing a wound the size of a golf ball, spit at police and kicked out the vents in the center console of a police vehicle, he said.
After spraying buildings, she fled the scene when police spotted her but was found in Princes St spraying rust protection, causing damage to windows and walls.
The teen was “violent” towards officers during his arrest but was restrained and placed in the patrol car.
She was charged with battery by reckless disregard, resisting police and 10 counts of malicious damage, one for the damaged patrol car and nine for the wave of spray painting in the city.
The bitten police officer has sought medical attention and will undergo tests.
She was released on bail and will appear in the Dunedin District Court tomorrow.