SALINE COUNTY  – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on numerous charges after a confrontation with police.

Just before 5:30 Wednesday, police were dispatched to the Econo Lodge, 636 Westport in Salina. The desk clerk told police that a man identified as 27-year-old Ngamo Debo wielding a samurai sword broke a computer monitor and a cordless phone in the lobby, according to Police Sgt. Brent Rupert.

Debo allegedly squared off with police in the parking lot. He was asked to drop the weapon but began approaching the officer, allegedly waving the sheathed sword. Sgt. Rupert said the officer pulled out his Taser, again instructing Debo to drop the weapon.

To defend against the Taser, Debo grabbed a trash can, using it as a shield. Sgt. Rupert said that the officer deployed the Taser when Debo lowered the trash can but it was not effective.

A backup officer finally tackled Debo.  Police booked him into the Saline County Jail for criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct and obstruction. Sgt. Rupert said Debo has no known address.