Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers were patrolling the Berkeley area, when they saw a motorcycle, that had been reported stolen, on Winnima Way turn into Barnes Street at about 1.30pm.

The motorcycle stopped outside a home in Massey Street and officers spoke to the rider, a 36-year-old man.

After a short foot pursuit, officers apprehended the man who then allegedly punched an officer in the head.

Officers located and seized capsicum spray during a search of the man's backpack.

The man was arrested and taken to Lake Illawarra police station where he was charged with assaulting a police officer, driving while disqualified, resist or hinder police officer, use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, unlawful use of conveyance and refusing to have a breathe test.

It will be alleged in court that the motorcycle was stolen from a home in East Corrimal in May 2019.

He will appear in Wollongong Local Court on Thursday.

The police officer was taken to Shellharbour Hospital with minor injuries.

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