A man with a metre-long sword was taken into police custody during a dramatic arrest in Adelaide’s CBD on Sunday.

Security pictures show officers swoop with guns drawn, pinning him to the ground in front of shocked onlookers.

Police have revealed the man was on bail at the time he was arrested.

Cornered in a small alcove and still wielding the sword, an officer approached the man with his gun drawn.

Witness Gavin Quek said he heard officers shouting “put it down, put it down”.

The man did as he was told, then police pounced.





Half a dozen officers pinned him to the ground as a paddy wagon tore down North Terrace and into Bank Street.

In handcuffs, the man was thrown into the back of the vehicle and the metre-long medieval style sword was seized.

Security cameras captured the man just before 11.30am walking down Bank Street holding the large weapon close to his side.

As he passed a convenience store and looked inside, the owner had no idea.

Police said one of their patrols witnessed the bizarre scene and swooped.

The 38-year-old from Wynn Vale has been charged with carrying an offensive weapon and breaking bail conditions.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to face court on Monday.

Police are still investigating why he had the sword but the incident has left nearby workers shaken.