A New Zealand police officer lost her life following a tragic incident in Nelson early this morning. Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming succumbed to her injuries after being struck by a vehicle around 2 a.m. while on foot patrol alongside her colleague, Adam Ramsey, in Buxton Square. Ramsey remains hospitalized, and another officer sustained a concussion in the attack.
The incident occurred when the assailant drove a vehicle at high speed towards the officers, subsequently colliding with a police car. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers expressed profound sorrow at the loss, highlighting Senior Sergeant Fleming’s 38 years of dedicated service and her prominent role in the local community as a sports coach.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and other officials paid tribute to Fleming, acknowledging the immense risks faced by police officers in their line of duty. Luxon described the day as devastating for both the police force and the nation, commending their relentless commitment to public safety.
Authorities have detained a 32-year-old suspect, who was apprehended at the scene after being tasered by police. Investigations are ongoing to uncover any possible motives behind this unprovoked act of violence.
In addition to the injured officers, two members of the public sustained injuries during the incident—a woman with a broken arm and a man who attempted to assist police with a shoulder injury.
Commissioner Chambers emphasized the solidarity within the police community during such turbulent times, reiterating the profound impact of the loss on the entire force. Minister Mark Mitchell described the attack as a cowardly act, reinforcing the peril faced by frontline officers daily.
The police department is conducting a thorough investigation to determine if any preventive measures could have been implemented, while also affirming the exceptional training and abilities of the officers involved.
