A man and a woman have been charged after allegedly stealing two cars, threatening residents with a samurai sword and violently assaulting a man in north Queensland.

Key points: Police alleged the man waved a samurai sword out of a stolen car

Police alleged the man waved a samurai sword out of a stolen car Officers tried to stop the car but it crossed onto the wrong side of the road

Officers tried to stop the car but it crossed onto the wrong side of the road A 69-year-old man was found with head injuries

Police alleged a man, 23, a woman, 20, and another female passenger caught a taxi to Pallarenda near Townsville at 4:30pm on Friday.

When they arrived, the man allegedly punched the driver in the face while the 20-year-old woman in the backseat took out a knife.

The driver got out of the car and the trio drove away. The car was found abandoned a short time later at Jezzine Barracks.

About 9:30pm the same man and woman who carjacked the taxi driver threatened another man with a samurai sword and drove off in his car, police have alleged.

A short time later police officers saw the car being driven along Palmerston Street with the male driver allegedly waving a samurai sword out the window.

Officers tried to stop the vehicle, following it until it crossed onto the wrong side of the road.

Police arrest the 23-year-old man. ( Supplied: Queensland Police Service )

About 10:00pm, the car was driven onto vacant land and the pair fled on foot.

Police then heard reports of a man trying to barricade himself inside a house backing onto the vacant land.

Officers forced their way into the home and arrested the man and woman.

Inside the home, they found 69-year-old Brenton Philp, who had suffered critical injuries after allegedly being seriously assaulted by the pair.

He was taken to hospital with multiple head injuries.

The 23-year-old man has been charged with armed robbery in company with violence, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, grievous bodily harm, common assault, dangerous operation of a vehicle, entering a dwelling with intent and wilful damage.

The 20-year-old woman has been charged with armed robbery in company with violence, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, grievous bodily harm, wilful damage and enter a dwelling with intent.

Both are due to appear in the Townsville Magistrates Court today.