The East Maitland man, 34, was forcibly taken from his car after police surrounded him at the intersection of the New England Highway and Chelmsford Drive at East Maitland about 2.50am.

He allegedly led police on a chase after being seen on the Pacific Highway at Hexham about 2.35am.

A police statement said it would be alleged that the man had an argument with his partner in their Cecily Close home about 10.30pm.

He is alleged to have driven his Holden Commodore to a house on Windermere Avenue, Woodberry, and set a wall alight.

The occupants put out the fire with a garden hose.

Police allege the man then went to a house in O'Hearn Street, Tenambit, where he threatened a woman with a machete.

He was later seen at Hexham before being chased to East Maitland, where police had to smash a window to arrest him.

The man was charged with offences including destroying or damaging property with intent to endanger life, being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, custody of an offensive implement in a public place, and not stopping his vehicle when directed.