Police officer injured by fleeing vehicle is walking and talking

A police officer who suffered a severe traumatic head injury in August is making a substantial recovery. Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett stated on Friday that the constable is walking, albeit unsteadily, and is talking. The officer is expected to require another three to six months of recovery.

The incident occurred around 2am on August 22 on Kairanga Bunnythorpe Road near Palmerston North. The constable was deploying road spikes to stop a vehicle that had failed to stop on Amberley Avenue. The vehicle allegedly swerved, shunted a police car, and struck the officer, throwing him several metres. The officer was airlifted to Wellington Hospital in critical condition and was initially placed on a ventilator. A second officer sustained minor injuries.

Two teenagers, aged 14 and 15, appeared in the Palmerston North Youth Court on Friday. The 15-year-old was charged with aggravated wounding and careless use of a vehicle with intent to avoid arrest or flight, after several other charges were withdrawn. The 14-year-old did not deny a charge relating to unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle after one charge was withdrawn. Both youths were directed to a Family Group Conference and granted bail.

The officer sent a message through Superintendent Bennett to colleagues and the community. The message stated, 'It’s alright, I’m good, I’m safe. Thank you'.

How it developed

• Fri 2 Oct, 1:10pmThe teenagers appeared in the Palmerston North Youth Court on Friday where some charges were withdrawn or amended
• Fri 2 Oct, 1:50pmThe 15-year-old was facing a charge of aggravated wounding and the 14-year-old was directed to a Family Group Conference

Where reports differ

• One report notes the officer was a young father with a toddler who graduated from Police College in December 2024, while others do not mention these details

Compiled from reports by Stuff, NZ Herald, 1News, RNZ and The Post.