A cyclist stopped by two police officers for a minor offence had a potentially dangerous surprise waiting for them.

Shortly before 9:00 last night, the officers saw the man riding his bike on the sidewalk of West Broadway near Oak Street. During a casual chat, he provided some responses that caused concern for the two officers.

A quick pat-down search revealed the man was hiding a potentially lethal item. The officers found a machete, almost two feet in length, concealed in his pants.

“This is another example that shows how police never know who they may be dealing with, and what dangers may be waiting for them,” says VPD Constable Brian Montague. “If someone can conceal a machete, you can imagine just how easily someone can hide a variety of weapons.”

The 31-year-old was on probation for assault, with conditions that included not possessing weapons. Police have recommended charges of possession of a dangerous weapon and breach of his probation order.