Nelson police officer Lyn Fleming dies after being rammed by car; man arrested

“She was a loved and valued daughter, mother, wife and valued member of the wider Nelson community. “Lyn was a beautiful soul and her death will be felt throughout the Nelson community and our police family,” Chambers said.

The violent incident took place in the Buxton Square car park at around 2.10am, where a crowd had gathered. Chambers said a 32-year-old man was arrested at the scene after other officers shocked him with a Taser.

“The vehicle ran over them at high speed and collided with them,” he added.

“The vehicle then swerved and struck the police car, ramming it.”

Chambers said Fleming died at the hospital surrounded by her family.

Two citizens were also injured and a third police officer suffered a concussion.

Witnesses recorded video of the incident, showing a crazy scene in which two officers tried to stop someone as a crowd gathered around and a car sped towards them.

Witness Ben Pawsey told 1News that the perpetrator “passed the police car (in his car), the officer moved to the side, then he approached again and came face to face with (the police car).”

Pawsey and other witnesses placed a T-shirt under the injured officer’s head and prevented him from moving, saying his head appeared to be badly injured.

“It was a hell of a bang,” he said of the impact.

Chambers said: “My initial impression is that Lyn and Adam were dealing with a senseless act by someone who was clearly determined to cause harm.”

Yesterday morning the police launched an investigation. Chambers said he received a phone call a few minutes after the incident and called the Minister of Police.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell said Chambers’ call about the incident was “gut-wrenching”.

“For any police minister, losing an officer is their worst nightmare,” Mitchell said.

“We must remember: behind the uniform there is a person” – Commissioner

Chambers reflected on the number of casualties suffered by the New Zealand police as a whole.

“We have a lot to be proud of in New Zealand, but no one deserves to live in a country where such senseless acts are committed. We have lost staff over the years and we will bounce back, but it will hurt forever,” he said.

“Lyn and Adam have done a fantastic job throughout their careers. We come together to make a difference. When such events happen, it hurts all of us. We must remember: behind the uniform there is a person.”

Chambers praised the other police officers who responded to the incident and helped Fleming, Ramsay, the third officer and the public. He also praised the doctors who tried to save Fleming.

“I’m not sure there’s anything Lyn or Adam or anyone else could have done to prevent this,” he said.

She paid tribute to Fleming at Nelson College for Girls, where she coached netball.

“A staple of our netball program for over a decade,” is how the school described Fleming.

“We are absolutely devastated to learn of the death of our Senior A netball coach.

“Words cannot describe her impact on our athletes, coaches and staff at Nelson College for Girls. We love you.”

The Nelson Netball Center said she had been involved with the sport for many years.

“Thank you for your service, Lyn, to so many communities, including our netball whānau. You are part of the fabric of our sport. We will miss you terribly,” said another mourner.

Meanwhile, the charity Te Kiwi Māia, which supports emergency service workers injured in the line of duty, said “none of us wanted to start the new year like this – mourning the loss of one of our own.”

One of Fleming’s colleagues, police officer Jamie White, said Fleming was an “amazing police officer with a good heart” and called her a “true professional.”

White said: “I could always ask you for help or advice. It has been an honor to serve with you.

“It cuts deep and makes me feel numb and angry.

“I don’t feel like starting my shift today, but we honor you and your legacy by staying strong and continuing to work.”

Nelson residents held a candlelight vigil for Fleming, scheduled for 7pm on Friday, on the steps of Christ Church Cathedral in the city centre.

The video shows the crazy scene and the moment of impact

Video of the incident, shot by a witness in a nearby car, shows two officers restraining a person on the ground next to the car as a small crowd stood nearby.

The video then shows a white minivan driving through the parking lot towards the police, and a shocked person can be heard screaming.

“Oh my God, oh my God,” the young woman said after the collision, as other bystanders walked toward the impact and another police vehicle with its lights flashing arrived at the scene.

“What the hell did I just witness?” the young man shouted.

An NZME reporter at the scene said there were a number of police vehicles in the cordon late yesterday morning and residents living nearby reported hearing a “terribly loud noise” earlier today.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he was devastated by the news of Fleming’s death.

“Police across New Zealand do an incredible job keeping us safe. It is painful that an officer lost her life while performing her duty.

“I offer my deepest condolences to Lyn’s loved ones and colleagues and hope that those injured recover.

“This is a devastating day for the police and for New Zealand,” he said.

“Lyn will never be forgotten.”

Nelson MP Rachel Boyack said police officers deserved to be safe on the job.

“MY thoughts and love are with Lyn’s family, friends and colleagues as they mourn her loss. When news of the tragic events (yesterday) morning came, an outpouring of sadness and support flooded our Nelson community.

“Our community does not tolerate this level of violence,” Boyack said.

Labor police spokeswoman Ginny Andersen said she was shocked and saddened by Fleming’s death. She said her thoughts are also with Ramsay.

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter covering breaking news. Joined Herald as a Te Rito Cadet in 2022

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