A man from the central Newfoundland town of Sandringham who faces numerous charges was in critical condition Sunday after police used a Taser to subdue him during a violent confrontation.

RCMP Sgt. Wayne Newell said the incident occurred Friday night when police received a call from occupants of a home who alleged a man with a knife was threatening them.

While en route to the scene, the 29-year-old suspect himself called police, saying he had an axe and a shotgun, Newell alleged.

According to Newell, when the Mounties arrived, the suspect smashed an axe into the hood of their vehicle. When a family member tried to intervene, the altercation escalated and police had to use a Taser to subdue him, Newell alleged.

The man was taken to hospital in Gander.

The man is facing a number of charges, including uttering threats, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, assault with a weapon, mischief and breaching an undertaking.

His name has not been released.