A Good Samaritan has rescued a NSW policeman from a fugitive who was allegedly trying to drown him.
Police say the sergeant was patrolling the streets of Murwillumbah in the state's far north on Monday afternoon when he noticed a man with an injured woman.
A background check on the man revealed he had an outstanding warrant.
The man fled, with the officer giving chase before a struggle ensued in a creek, where the man is accused of forcibly holding the policeman's head underwater.
He was saved by a passerby who freed him, before helping restrain the man, who was then arrested.
The 33-year-old Queensland man was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station and charged with attempted murder.
He has been refused bail and will appear in Tweed Heads Local Court on Tuesday.
The sergeant was taken to Murwillumbah Hospital for treatment for water on the lungs and has since been released.
Police are reviewing the incident to see if the Good Samaritan should be formally acknowledged for his bravery.
