Masterton staff praised after weird' knife incident

A drunken man walked behind the counter at McDonald's Restaurant in Masterton early yesterday clutching a black-handled kitchen knife but stopped short of threatening anybody in an incident described by a staffer as "bizarre".

The 22-year-old Masterton man was arrested in what was one of two weapon-related incidents police were called to within 12 hours.

Senior Sergeant Warwick Burr said the man had walked into the staff area of the fast food restaurant about 2.15am with a kitchen knife.

Mr Burr said the man did not threaten anybody and wasn't aggressive but was extremely drunk. He made no demands.

McDonald's staff called police and the man was arrested and charged with possession of a knife in a public place.

McDonald's restaurant owner Sitendra Singh praised staff for their handling of the incident.

Mr Singh said the man casually walked into the kitchen area of the restaurant. Two staff members were working and the experienced shift manager followed the appropriate procedures.

"The manager remained calm and called police," Mr Singh said.

"He acted within our procedures in this sort of situation."

Mr Singh was pleased with the actions taken by staff, and said the manager seemed unaffected by the incident.

"He seemed okay ... he didn't seemed fazed."

Mr Singh said the drunken man was known around town but he was unaware if the man had any connection with staff members.

"It does seem weird ... it actually seems bizarre," Mr Singh said.

McDonald's has a security guard on Friday and Saturday nights, but was now looking at reviewing its security policy.

"We have to make sure our staff and customers are safe at all times," said Mr Singh.

Meanwhile, in Greytown, a man who was yelling obscenities and waving a weapon around in his yard disturbed neighbours who called police on Wednesday night around 9pm.

Mr Burr said the man, 42, who is a resident of West Street, was screaming obscenities, throwing things and waving a machete-type weapon around.

Police attended the incident and a search of the property uncovered cannabis seeds and plants growing in a ceiling.

Mr Burr said the man was drunk at the time and police were still making inquiries.