Teens charged after fleeing driver crash left cop critically injured in Palmerston North
Two teenagers have been charged following a crash in Palmerston North that left a police officer in critical condition. The officer was struck while deploying road spikes during a fleeing driver incident.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement and has prompted a significant public and institutional response regarding officer safety.
Police have filed charges against two teenage boys after a fleeing driver crash that left a Palmerston North officer critically injured.
The officer, a constable based in Palmerston North, was deploying road spikes on Kairanga Bunnythorpe Road about 2am on Saturday, when the vehicle hit him, throwing him several metres. He was airlifted
to Wellington Hospital in a critical condition, while a second officer was treated for minor injuries.
Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett said the officer is being well looked after in hospital.
"He's got talented doctors and nurses looking after him, but his recovery will take some time. He is in a stable condition and remains on a ventilator, but the hospital staff are doing everything they can for him.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in