January 2nd 2025.
In the early hours of New Year's Day, tragedy struck in New Zealand as a driver ran down two police officers who were patrolling on foot. Sadly, one of the officers lost their life and the other was left with serious injuries. This shocking attack is a rare occurrence in a country where the killing of police officers on duty is not something that happens often.
The officer who was killed, Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming, made history as the first female officer in New Zealand to be killed in the line of duty due to a criminal act. The news of her passing was devastating for the entire police force and the community. The incident occurred in the city of Nelson, located in the South Island, and it has left the nation in shock and mourning.
According to Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, the officers were performing a routine patrol of a parking lot when they were suddenly struck by a vehicle travelling at high speed. The driver then proceeded to ram a police car before being arrested shortly after the incident. The 32-year-old man has been charged with eight criminal counts, including murder, attempted murder, and assault using a vehicle as a weapon.
Despite their best efforts, Fleming could not be saved and passed away at a local hospital. The other officer who was struck by the car is expected to make a full recovery, while a third officer and two members of the public were also injured during the attack. Chambers expressed his outrage at the senseless act of violence and condemned the individual responsible for causing harm.
While the motive for the attack is still unknown, Police Minister Mark Mitchell described it as a cowardly act of targeting officers who were simply doing their job. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also shared his condolences and called it a devastating day for the nation. The incident occurred in the downtown area of Nelson, just two hours after the city's New Year's Eve celebrations had ended.
This is not the first time that a police officer has been killed on duty in New Zealand. The last incident was in 2020, when an officer was shot by a fleeing driver. In total, 33 other officers have lost their lives due to criminal acts while on duty since 1890, according to police records. Fleming, who had been an officer for 38 years, was also a well-respected netball coach at a local girls' high school.
The man responsible for this heinous act is set to appear in court on Friday and could face a life sentence if convicted of murder. The community is still coming to terms with this tragic event, and the 9NEWS app is keeping everyone updated with the latest news, sports, politics, and weather. Download the app now and stay informed with notifications sent straight to your smartphone. It is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
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