'I'm good, I'm safe': Critically injured cop issues thank you, as teens answer charges

The teenagers charged after an August crash left a young policeman fighting for his life have taken responsibility for the offending, but on reduced charges. 

Meanwhile, the officer’s condition has “substantially improved” and he has thanked supporters. 

Two teens, 14 and 15, were arrested and charged over the crash early on August 22 as an officer deployed road spikes on Kairanga Bunnythorpe Rd, near Palmerston North. 

The spikes were to stop a fleeing driver when the vehicle crashed into the police car the officer was standing behind with a colleague. 

He was sent flying into another vehicle, suffering critical injuries. 

The officer was airlifted to Wellington Hospital in a critical condition, while a second officer was treated for minor injuries, police said at the time. 

The youths faced multiple charges. 

They first appeared in the Palmerston North Youth Court on August 27 and were remanded until today. 

Statutory suppression orders remain, preventing identification of offenders, victims and complainants. 

Media can report youth court matters only at a judge’s direction. 

The 15-year-old was accused of wounding with reckless disregard and reckless driving causing injury. 

He was also charged with failing to stop for police, unlawfully taking two vehicles valued at $10,000 and $19,000, and dangerous driving. 

Today, before Judge Caroline Hickman, three of the five charges were withdrawn. He did not deny two amended charges of aggravated wounding and careless use of a vehicle with intent to avoid arrest or flight. 

The younger defendant initially faced two charges of unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle, one of which has been withdrawn. The other was not denied. 

When a charge is not denied, it means the young person has accepted responsibility for the offence, according to the Youth Court of New Zealand. 

The police officers were struck on Kairanga Bunnythorpe Rd, just outside Palmerston North early on Saturday, August 22. Image / Google Maps. 

The critically injured officer was in a coma after the accident, with his family at his hospital bedside. 

He was able to stand for the first time but still could not talk a month later, NZME reported last month. 

Central district commander Superintendent Dion Bennett told NZME today the officer’s condition has substantially improved. 

“His general health is good and his injuries are healing. He’s walking, albeit a little unsteady, and he’s talking. 

“Indications are that he will need another three to six months of recovery, but his family remain steadfastly at his bedside. 

“He mentioned to me that he greatly appreciates the interest and support from his Police colleagues and the wider community, and he asked me to pass on a message: ‘It’s alright, I’m good, I’m safe. Thank you’.” 

The younger teen has been directed to a Family Group Conference and was granted bail until the next Youth Court date on November 13. 

Bail conditions include not contacting the other defendant, a 5pm to 8am curfew, and staying off social media. 

The older teen was also directed to a Family Group Conference and was remanded on bail to appear again in the Youth Court on December 11. 

Many of the same conditions were imposed on the older defendant, but he is on a 24-hour curfew with exceptions, including when he is under approved supervision or attending an educational course. 

Tracy Neal is a Nelson-based Open Justice reporter at NZME. She was previously RNZ’s regional reporter in Nelson-Marlborough and has covered general news, including court and local government for the Nelson Mail.