Police are crediting the public for calling them immediately after spotting a man wielding a butcher knife in a Hamilton park.

The man was issuing threats while waving the large knife in J.C. Beemer Park around just after 8 p.m. on Wednesday, police allege.

"The prompt call to 9-11 requesting police was the appropriate response when people saw this situation emerge," media officer Const. Steve Welton said. "The officers were able to respond and worked to resolve the matter safely."

Adults and some small children ran from the park, which is at Victoria Avenue North and Wilson Street, when they saw him.

Officers stopped the man in alley that runs beside the park and arrested him without a struggle. They seized his knife.

Dwayne Anthony Jr. Wilson, 19, is charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and failing to comply with probation.

Police opposed his bail. He's expected to answer to the charges in court.