Cop critically injured after being hit by fleeing driver while laying road spikes
A police officer is in a critical condition in hospital after being struck by a vehicle while laying road spikes near Palmerston North.
Police said a driver was signalled to stop on Amberley Ave about 2am but failed to pull over and fled the area.
A short time later, the vehicle, which police said was not being actively pursued, struck an officer who was deploying road spikes on Kairanga Bunnythorpe Rd.
The officer suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to Wellington Hospital for treatment.
A second officer received minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
The vehicle’s two occupants, both described by police as young people, were arrested.
Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett said the incident has prompted a major investigation.
“The Serious Crash Unit has carried out a scene examination and a section of the road remains closed,” Bennett said.
Police have launched a critical incident investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
“Police are working to understand the full circumstances of what occurred and notify relevant agencies,” Bennett said.
“This work will take time, and we will share information when we are in a position to do so.”
Bennett said support was being provided to the injured officers, their families and colleagues.
“In the meantime, we are wrapping support around the staff members involved and their whānau, as well as their colleagues.”
No further details have been released about the officer’s condition or the identities of those arrested.
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