A driver struck two New Zealand police officers as they patrolled on foot early on New Year’s Day, killing one and seriously injuring the other, officials said. The incident occurred in the South Island city of Nelson and shocked a country where on-duty police fatalities are rare.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said the vehicle drove “at speed” into the officers during a routine patrol in a parking lot before the driver rammed a police car. A 32-year-old man was arrested and charged shortly after the attack, which occurred around 2 a.m.
One of the officers, Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming, died in a local hospital hours later. Fleming, a 38-year veteran of the force, was described by Chambers as a “well-known and hugely respected member of the Nelson community.” She is survived by her spouse and children.
The second officer remains in serious condition but is expected to recover fully. A third officer, who was in the rammed police car, sustained a concussion. Two members of the public were also injured, including one who came to the aid of the officers.
Chambers condemned the “senseless act of an individual who appears to have been determined to cause harm,” though he did not suggest a motive.
“There was, at this stage, no indication that this would occur,” Chambers said.
New Zealand’s Police Minister Mark Mitchell labeled the incident a “cowardly attack,” adding that the officers appeared to have been targeted.
The attack happened in downtown Nelson, a city of 55,000, just hours after New Year’s Eve celebrations had concluded.
The last time a police officer was killed on duty in New Zealand was in 2020, when an officer was shot by a fleeing driver. Since 1890, 33 officers have died due to criminal acts while on duty, according to police records.
The man charged in the attack is set to appear in court on Friday.
