Two teens charged after police officer struck by stolen car

Two teenagers have been charged after a police officer was seriously injured when he was struck by a car while deploying road spikes in Palmerston North early Saturday morning.

According to a report by Stuff, the constable was laying the spikes on Kairanga Bunnythorpe Road at about 2 am as police attempted to stop a fleeing vehicle. The car, which police believe was stolen, was travelling on the wrong side of the road when it hit the officer.

He was thrown several metres and later airlifted to Wellington Hospital. A second officer suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett said the injured constable was in a stable condition but remained in critical care and was receiving support from a ventilator, as reported by Stuff.

“He is a great family man,” Bennett said. “In his mum’s words, he’s a good bloke, and we think so too, as quoted by Stuff.

“There is no shortage of love and support pouring in for him; his family are by his side and staying incredibly strong for him, and we’re also doing everything we can to support them as they navigate this awful situation,” Stuff has quoted.

Police said the older teenager, who was allegedly driving the vehicle, has been charged with theft, failing to stop, dangerous driving and reckless driving causing injury.

The second teenager has been charged with unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle, as reported by Stuff.

Both are due to appear in Palmerston North Youth Court on August 27.

Bennett said the constable was behind his patrol car and preparing to deploy the road spikes when the vehicle struck him.

“The seriously injured officer was thrown into the side of a car that was parked in the drive,” Bennett said, as quoted by Stuff.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers visited the injured officer in Wellington Hospital and acknowledged the risks officers face while responding to incidents.

“This incident highlights the risk my staff face while doing their jobs to keep their communities safe, and I would like to acknowledge the efforts of everyone involved last night,” Chambers said, Stuff has quoted.