Dorset Police says officers were called at around 4.30pm on Monday 11 May 2026 following a third-party report of a man carrying a knife in Charminster Road near the junction with Iddesleigh Road.
It was reported the man approached a black Mercedes-Benz and made threats towards the driver before leaving the area.
No injuries were reported.
Following searches in the area, a 36-year-old man from West Moors was arrested on suspicion of possessing a knife blade or sharp pointed article in a public place and affray.
He has since been released on police bail while enquiries continue.
Paul Fletcher said officers are particularly keen to speak to the driver of the black Mercedes-Benz, as well as any motorists with dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting occurrence number 55260068366.
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