A 32-year-old man is facing multiple charges, including murder and attempted murder, following the death of a policewoman in central Nelson on New Year’s Day.
Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming and her colleague Senior Sergeant Adam Ramsay were struck by a vehicle while on foot patrol in the Buxton Square carpark at around 2.10am on New Year’s Day.
The vehicle then turned around and rammed a police patrol car, concussing another police officer and injuring two members of the public.
Fleming died in hospital surrounded by her family on Wednesday, and Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said that Ramsay was in a stable condition on Thursday.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said in a statement this afternoon that a 32-year-old arrested at the scene will appear in Nelson District Court on Friday charged with murder, attempted murder, two charges of assault using a vehicle as a weapon, two charges of wounding with intent, dangerous driving, and driving while disqualified.
Police confirmed the man would face eight charges, including murder and attempted murder after the death of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. (Source: 1News)
Chambers said further charges are expected as the investigation progresses.
“For New Zealand, Lyn is tragically the first policewoman to be killed in the line of duty and the first police officer in Nelson. I know we are all struggling to understand why this has happened.
“I thank the investigation team who have worked around the clock to get us to this point. They continue to speak with a number of witnesses today and have enquiries well underway.”
Fleming’s family acknowledged Nelson Hospital, the members of the public who came to the assistance of the injured officers, and all those injured in the incident.
Police appeal for footage
Police have appealed for footage of the incident that led to the death of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming and critically injured Senior Sergeant Adam Ramsay on January 1.
Detective Inspector Lex Bruning said the investigation team had set up a dedicated portal for receiving photos and videos and would appreciate the public’s assistance.
“Anyone with footage, including from cell phones of the incident can upload it here.”
Bruning said police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or any of the events leading up to it.
“We will be doing area inquiries which will include visiting business in the area canvassing for CCTV footage. If any businesses think they may have relevant CCTV then we would ask that they please get in touch with Nelson Police.”
Anyone with relevant information should contact 105.
Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming died from her injuries after being hit by a car in Nelson in the early hours of this morning, police confirmed. (Source: 1News)
Tributes flow for Lyn Fleming
Police Commissioner Chambers said at a press conference confirming Fleming’s death on Wednesday that she was a daughter, a mother, a wife and a “well-known and highly respected” member of the Nelson community.
She had been with the police since 1992 and was the area response manager in Nelson.
“She was a beautiful soul, she was an outstanding police officer, and even I had the privilege of working alongside Lyn between 2012 and 2014.”
“Lyn’s qualities as a police officer are something that all New Zealanders can be proud of.”
He said that the police’s priority was to support Fleming’s family, Ramsay and his family, and police staff across the country.
“The strength of the police family is something that we are all very proud of, and it’s times like this that we do come together with strength to support each other through this.”
In addition to being a police officer, Fleming coached the Senior A netball team at Nelson College for Girls for more than a decade.
Nelson College for Girls director of sport Jon Routhan said Fleming was “the calmest, kindest soul”.
“She would do anything for anybody if she thought they genuinely needed it. She was immense, and I don’t know how she managed to do it on top of her own job, she never brought work into Nelson Girls.”
Routhan said she was an “amazing coach” who seldom raised her voice.
“It’s just hard to fathom that she won’t be coming in here anymore.”
A book of condolence for Fleming has been made available at Nelson Cathedral.
Reverend Steve Jordan, a former police chief of 30 years, said the outpouring of emotion was so great that a second book had been purchased.
“It’s a chance for people to express their feelings, their love, and their shock and horror at what has taken place.”
He said the community was “absolutely shocked” that the first police fatality in four years would take place in Nelson.
“It’s taken people completely by surprise, and even visitors to the town are in surprise and shock at what’s gone on.”
Players pay tribute to Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming prior to the T20 International at Saxton Oval between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. (Source: TVNZ)
A moment of silence was observed for Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming ahead of the T20 International played in Nelson between New Zealand and Sri Lanka this afternoon.
Players from both teams bowed their heads alongside the sold-out crowd at Saxton Oval this afternoon.
Police officers also joined the Black Caps for their pre-game photograph.
