Two teens charged after police officer critically injured trying to stop fleeing driver
Two teenagers have been charged following an incident where a police officer was critically injured while deploying road spikes near Palmerston North. The officer remains in stable but critical condition as the investigation continues.
Why it matters
The incident has sparked public concern regarding police safety and the dangers associated with high-speed pursuits and road spike deployment.
Police have charged two teenage boys after an officer was left fighting for his life while trying to stop a fleeing driver near Palmerston North.
The officer, a constable based in Palmerston North, was deploying road spikes on Kairanga Bunnythorpe Rd about 2am on Saturday, when the vehicle he was trying to stop 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 remains in hospital.
“He’s got talented doctors and nurses looking after him, but his recovery will take some time,” Bennett said.
“He is in a stable condition and remains on a ventilator, but the hospital staff are doing everything they can for him.
“He is a great family man. In his mum’s words, he’s a good bloke – and we think so too.
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