Police officer critically injured after being hit by fleeing driver near Palmerston North
A police officer laying road spikes to stop a fleeing vehicle was struck and critically injured near Palmerston North, with two teenagers subsequently charged.
A police officer was hit by a vehicle while deploying road spikes on Kairanga Bunnythorpe Road near Palmerston North in an attempt to stop a fleeing driver. The officer, described as a young father, was airlifted to Wellington Hospital in critical condition and remains on a ventilator. Two teenagers, aged 14 and 15, have been charged in connection with the incident, with the older teen facing charges including theft, dangerous driving, and failing to stop. A second officer suffered minor injuries in the crash.
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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
RNZ
Fleeing driver in Palmerston North leaves officer in critical condition
The driver of the fleeing vehicle hit a police officer laying spikes on Kairanga Bunnythorpe Road.
Stuff
Police officer in critical condition after being hit by fleeing driver
The officer was laying spikes when he was hit by the car.
NZ Herald
Police officer critically injured while deploying road spikes to stop fleeing driver
The incident happened near Palmerston North early this morning.
1News
Officer hit by fleeing vehicle in Palmerston North, critically injured
A police officer was struck by a vehicle last night after the fleeing driver failed to stop when signalled by authorities.
Newstalk ZB
Police officer critically injured while deploying road spikes to stop fleeing driver
A police officer is in a critical condition in hospital after being struck by a vehicle while laying road spikes near Palmerston North.
Otago Daily Times
Cop in critical condition after being hit by fleeing driver
1News
Police officer critically injured after being hit by fleeing driver
The officer was laying road spikes when the vehicle allegedly fled a police stop and struck them minutes later. A second officer suffered minor injuries.
1News
Police officer critically injured after being hit by fleeing driver
The officer was laying road spikes when the vehicle allegedly fled a police stop and struck them minutes later. A second officer suffered minor injuries.
1News
Live stream: Police speak after officer critically injured by fleeing driver
The officer was laying road spikes when the vehicle allegedly fled a police stop and struck them minutes later. A second officer suffered minor injuries.
1News
Full video: Police speak after officer critically injured by fleeing driver
The officer was laying road spikes when the vehicle allegedly fled a police stop and struck them minutes later. A second officer suffered minor injuries.
NZ Herald
Police say critically injured officer is young dad, fleeing teens aged 14 and 15
The officer was hit by a fleeing driver while laying road spikes near Palmerston North.
1News
Officer on ventilator after being hit by teens in allegedly stolen car
The officer was laying road spikes near Palmerston North when the vehicle, allegedly stolen and carrying two teens, struck him and another officer.
RNZ
'Hoping for the best': How a police officer was left fighting for his life after a car struck him
The young father and "good bloke" is currently on a ventilator, with family waiting to hear what the prognosis is.
NZ Herald
Brother of slain cop Derek Wootton praying critically injured police officer pulls through
Sergeant Derek Wootton was killed while laying road spikes in Porirua in 2008.
RNZ
Teens charged after fleeing driver crash left cop critically injured in Palmerston North
The alleged driver, the older of the two teenagers, faces charges relating to theft, failing to stop, dangerous driving and reckless driving causing injury.
1News
Teens charged after officer laying spikes struck, critically injured
The officer remains on a ventilator in a stable condition after being struck while deploying spikes near Palmerston North.
NZ Herald
Two teens charged after police officer critically injured trying to stop fleeing driver
The pair are due to appear in court on Thursday.
Stuff
Two teens charged after hitting police officer with stolen car
The officer was flown to Wellington Hospital in a critical condition.
RNZ
Man in critical condition after being hit by car in Manawatū
The man is in critical condition in Wellington Hospital. Police say there may be witnesses with video footage who are reluctant to come forward.
Stuff
Police seek witnesses after man hit by car at ‘anti-social’ road meet
A man was located with extensive injuries and is currently in intensive care in Wellington Hospital.
NZ Herald
Feilding crash: Police seek driver after person critically injured at road event
Police are seeking the driver and witnesses to the crash near Feilding.
1News
Young man critically injured after being hit by car near Feilding
Police are urging witnesses to come forward after the man was struck during an anti-social road user event, with the alleged driver fleeing the scene.
RNZ
'An absolute waste': Police officer remains in ICU after being hit by vehicle
There is a sadness lingering "as we wait for some positive news", a senior police officer says.
NZ Herald
‘An absolute waste’: Police officer remains in ICU after being hit by vehicle
Sadness hanging over officer's team hoping for positive news.
Stuff
'I despair': Top cop speaks out after horror night leaves police officer, pedestrian critically hurt
Two teenagers have been charged after the officer, a young father, was struck with a car while laying road spikes to stop a fleeing driver on Kairanga Bunnythorpe Rd at around 2am.
Otago Daily Times
Police officer hit by fleeing driver remains in ICU
1News
Officer in stable condition on ventilator after being struck, police say
A senior officer said a sadness hangs over the team as they wait for updates on the injured officer.
NZ Herald
Dame Therese Walsh sets up Givealittle for critically injured police officer
The Air New Zealand chairwoman said she was 'devastated' by the incident.
Stuff
‘Deeply difficult time’: Family of injured police officer speak out
The family, including his young child, remain at his bedside.
RNZ
Public raise almost $30k in support of injured Palmerston North police officer
The organiser of the fundraiser says the officer’s family asked her to pass on their gratitude for the thoughts, prayers and donations from the public.
Stuff
‘Overwhelmed’: $41k raised for critically injured police officer
The family, including his young child, remain at his bedside.