A 38-year-old man has been charged after allegedly brandishing knives outside of Westfield Woden early on Saturday afternoon.

Police, following up on a report of a man was standing outside the shopping centre with knives, spoke to the man before he attempted to flee. He was arrested and a search revealed three knives in his bag.

He was charged with possessing a knife without a reasonable excuse and resisting a territory public official. Police say he is expected to face court next month.