In a tragic incident in New Zealand, a driver ran down two police officers during their patrol on New Year’s Day, killing one and leaving the other seriously injured. The attack, which occurred early on Wednesday in Nelson, shocked the nation, where police officer killings are rare.
The vehicle struck Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming and another officer “at speed” as they conducted a routine patrol in a parking lot. The driver then turned and rammed a police car. Fleming later succumbed to her injuries in the hospital, becoming the first female officer in New Zealand to be killed on duty by a criminal act.
A 32-year-old man was arrested shortly after the attack and faces multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, assault with a vehicle, and driving while disqualified. The second officer injured in the incident is expected to recover fully. The third officer in the rammed police car suffered a concussion, and two members of the public were also injured, one while attempting to assist the officers.
New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers condemned the “senseless act” and stated there was no indication the attack was planned. Police Minister Mark Mitchell described the attack as “cowardly,” while Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called it a “devastating day” for the country.
Fleming, who had served as an officer for 38 years, was a respected member of the Nelson community and a long-time netball coach. She is survived by her family.
The man arrested in connection with the attack is scheduled to appear in court on Friday. If convicted of murder, he faces life imprisonment, with a non-parole period of at least 10 years.
