Firebombs and tomahawks: Sydney man on the warpath

A man was walking towards a home in Sydney's west with a tomahawk, a petrol can and a lighter, just moments after allegedly assaulting its residents and threating to firebomb the house, when he was arrested, police say.

The 22-year-old man was inside the house at Merino Way, Airds - near Campbelltown - about 5.50pm yesterday when he allegedly assaulted about three or four of its residents, said Acting Inspector Geoff Thornton from Campbelltown police.

"I think they were physical assaults, but I don't believe they were serious," he said.

The man, from Airds, then allegedly threatened to firebomb the house before leaving.

Police were called in the meantime, and when they arrived they found the man walking towards the house carrying a tomahawk, a petrol can and lighter, police said. The man lived in the local area.

When police confronted the man, he first threatened them before putting the weapons on the ground and charging at them, Acting Inspector Thornton said.

About five police officers wrestled with the man, and he was arrested, he said.

More: http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/on-the-warpath-with-a-tomahawk/2008/08/11/1218306708145.html
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Had this happened in America:

1. He would likely have been armed with a high capacity handgun, shotgun or rifle; and

2. Police would have shot him dead even though he was unarmed when he charged them.