A driver allegedly ran down two New Zealand cops down as they patrolled on foot within the early hours of New Yr’s Day, killing one and severely injuring the opposite, the nation’s police chief stated.
The incident shocked a rustic the place the killing of cops on responsibility is uncommon.
The automobile allegedly drove into the officers “at velocity” as they carried out a routine patrol of a parking zone, earlier than the motive force turned and rammed a police automobile, police commissioner Richard Chambers instructed reporters within the South Island metropolis of Nelson. A 32-year-old man was arrested and charged over the incident shortly after it occurred at about 2am native time.
One of many officers, a lady, died in an area hospital hours later.
The opposite was in severe situation however was anticipated to make a full restoration, Chambers stated. A 3rd officer who was within the rammed police automobile obtained a concussion and two members of the general public had been harm, one among them after coming to assist the injured officers.
“There was, at this stage, no indication that was what about to happen, occurred,” Chambers stated.
The alleged assault occurred in a downtown space of Nelson – inhabitants 55,000 – near the road the place town’s New Yr’s Eve celebrations had concluded two hours earlier than.
The lady killed, senior sergeant Lyn Fleming, had been an officer for 38 years and was “well-known and massively revered member of the Nelson neighborhood”, Chambers stated. She is survived by a partner and kids.
The person charged is because of seem in court docket on Friday.
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