Qld man chases burglar armed with sword

Townsville police have interrupted a dramatic foot chase that saw a home invasion victim try to catch a burglar who was armed with a samurai sword.

The officers were on a routine patrol in suburban Heatley on Sunday night when they spotted an older man running down the street, chasing a younger man clutching the weapon.

Police tried to arrest the armed man but he threatened them with the sword before fleeing into nearby parkland. He was arrested a short time later.

The foot chase began when a man in his 30s interrupted a burglary at his home about 10pm.

When the alleged offender fled, the resident took off after him and that's the police happened to drive by and see the situation unfolding.

An 18-year-old man will front the Townsville Magistrates Court on Monday charged with possession of a knife in a public place, going armed to cause fear, unlawful possession of suspected stolen property and trespass.