The stabbing incident happened on Sunday morning on Steenhopenweg near the Drenthe village of Drouwen in the presence of the police. Concerned officers had responded to a report and got into conversation with the man.
During the violence that followed, the young child was seriously injured. The child has been taken to hospital. The man was also taken to hospital with injuries. A electroshock weapon was used by the police during the arrest.
The suspect is in complete restraint. He may only have contact with his lawyer.