Jakarta. Indonesian police have arrested a British national accused of attacking a resort employee with a knife in Bali after allegedly becoming enraged when he was refused accommodation, authorities said on Thursday.

The suspect, identified as Aaron Michel, 36, allegedly carried out the attack at Menjangan Dynasty Resort in the tourism area of Pejarakan village, Gerokgak district, in northern Bali on Tuesday evening.

Buleleng Police Chief Ruzi Gusman said investigators believe the suspect became emotional after hotel staff declined his request to stay at the resort because of his condition.

According to police, Michel arrived alone in a white car at around 8 p.m. local time. Security personnel reportedly became suspicious because he appeared disoriented and spoke incoherently.

“Because his condition appeared abnormal, security officers directed his vehicle to the parking area, and hotel staff approached him to communicate regarding his request to stay,” Ruzi said at Buleleng Police headquarters on Thursday.

The resort eventually rejected the request out of concern for the man’s condition, police said.

Authorities allege Michel then stepped out of his vehicle carrying a sling bag before pulling out a sharp weapon resembling a long knife and attacking a resort employee.

The victim initially tried to block the attack with his left hand, suffering injuries to his palm. Another slash struck the victim’s face, leaving a deep wound stretching from below the left eye to the eyebrow area, police said.

The injured employee was first taken to a regional hospital in Buleleng before being transferred to Prof. Ngoerah Hospital in Denpasar for further treatment.

The incident caused panic at the resort, with one security guard attempting to stop the suspect by jumping onto the hood of his car as he tried to flee. Police said Michel crashed into the resort’s signboard before escaping toward Gilimanuk, a port area connecting Bali and Java.

Police launched a manhunt involving multiple units across Bali, including officers in Gerokgak and Gilimanuk. Michel was eventually arrested at a cafe in Gilimanuk without resistance.

During a search, police recovered a 30-centimeter stainless steel knife inside the suspect’s bag. Investigators said the weapon contained blood stains believed to belong to the victim.

Police also searched the suspect’s lodging in Gerokgak and found several stainless steel kitchen knives.

Investigators said Michel had reportedly visited another hotel in the area earlier that evening while searching for dinner and nightlife venues, but staff there also refused service because he appeared impaired.

Authorities are still investigating whether alcohol or illegal substances played a role in the incident.

Police said Michel had been staying in Buleleng since April 30 and was scheduled to remain in Bali until May 23.

He has been charged under Indonesia’s Criminal Code for assault and possession or use of a sharp weapon.

Add as a preferred source on Google +