A man who allegedly brandished an “edged weapon” to a group of people in a Casuarina carpark Thursday night, has been arrested and charged, NT Police said.

Authorities said roving police officers observed the 36-year-old man approach a group of people seated on the ground in the shopping centre carpark. Police did not name the shopping centre.

“As he got closer to the group, he allegedly produced an edged weapon,” police said in a statement.

Officers responded to the scenario and ordered the man to drop the weapon.

Police said the man immediately complied and was taken into custody without further incident.

“This man was very close to members of the public when he produced the weapon and quick thinking by our officers resulted in a swift arrest and no harm done to members of the public,” Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Bland said.

Sgt Bland did not give further information including the possible motive of the man for threatening the people with an edged weapon.

He was charged for going armed in public and the possession and use of a controlled weapon.

Police did not disclose what type of edged weapon was used by the man.

He was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court Friday.