Chowchilla officer stops man with knife waiting outside police station

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Chowchilla police officer stopped a man with a knife waiting to "ambush" law enforcement, according to authorities.

Police say 47-year-old Paul Clingham was seen on surveillance video circling the department on his bike early Sunday morning. He was allegedly armed with a large knife.

When one of the officers went outside, they found Clingham's bicycle near a patrol car that authorities believe was put there as a distraction.

After a quick scan of the area, that officer then found Clingham hiding in a corner where he was arrested. Police say Clingham had methamphetamine on him.

Chowchilla Police say the suspect had an active warrant out of Kansas for attempted murder.

Officers say Clingham told them the warrant was because he stabbed a correctional officer in that state.

Clingham was arrested and booked into the Madera County jail on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.