The officer\u2019s family are at his hospital bedside.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn this instance we did all that we could to try and apprehend them … and to avoid this, which is the worst outcome,\u201d Bennett said of the police actions.<\/p>\n
The incident occurred early this morning on a long, straight stretch of road \u201cand our officers who know that road well decided to use it to deploy spikes\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019d just deployed the spikes … the stolen vehicle swerved to avoid the spikes,\u201d Bennett said.<\/p>\n
A police car was \u201cshunted out of the way\u201d and the two police officers were then struck, he said.<\/p>\n
The critically injured officer was thrown several metres. A colleague at the scene suffered minor injuries but immediately provided support while other units urgently responded.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe suspect vehicle was travelling eastbound on the wrong side of Kairanga Bunnythorpe Road when it struck the Police vehicle, and then the two officers. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe seriously injured officer was thrown into the side of a car that was parked in the drive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bennett said the car appeared to be stolen but he didn\u2019t know where from. He didn\u2019t know if those involved were boy racers.<\/p>\n
Bennett said the flight taking the officer to hospital had to stop halfway to Wellington due to foggy weather conditions, but the flight was not delayed long.<\/p>\n
Police are due to speak to the alleged offenders and charges are being considered, Superintendent Bennett said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are extremely grateful the outcome was not worse and that is thanks to the efforts of those who responded. The officers\u2019 colleagues were faced with an appalling situation and I\u2019m incredibly proud of them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would also like to acknowledge the determination of the air rescue crew, who transported our officer to Wellington in spite of challenging weather conditions. Everyone went above and beyond to save a life last night, and it made the difference.\u201d<\/p>\n
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers visited the injured officer in Wellington Hospital this afternoon and praised the staff involved in saving the officer\u2019s life.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir response was fast and effective, and they provided the best care they could while ambulance staff got to the scene. No amount of training can prepare you for a situation where you are trying to save the life of a colleague and friend, and they acted with exceptional professionalism.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis evening, I will be travelling to Palmerston North to speak with the staff there and meet some of those involved in this incident and see what support we can provide them.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are humbled by the support from members of the community and people across the country, and on behalf of my staff, I thank everyone who has sent kind messages of support.<\/p>\n
\u201dThe Police Critical Incident Investigation is ongoing, and the Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified.”<\/p>\n
Police Association president Steve Watt said his organisation had contacted the police welfare section, and alongside police would provide wraparound support for not only the officer \u201cbut his immediate family\u201d who are at the hospital with him.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s early days yet. They\u2019re in a really serious condition and I think they\u2019re working hard just to provide the best care and support that they can to make sure that the officer\u2019s doing good.\u201d <\/p>\n
The incident again highlighted the \u201cunpredictable and dangerous nature of policing\u201d, Watt said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a traumatic event that cuts deep for our whole membership … it really resonates with everyone and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and to our member involved.\u201d <\/p>\n
A driver was signalled to stop on Amberley Ave about 2am but failed to pull over and fled the area, police said.<\/p>\n
The officer was laying road spikes at the time of the incident. <\/p>\n
A short time later, the vehicle, which police said was not being chased, struck an officer who was deploying road spikes on Kairanga Bunnythorpe Rd.<\/p>\n
The critically injured officer was flown to Wellington Hospital. <\/p>\n
A second officer received minor injuries and was treated at the scene.<\/p>\n
The vehicle\u2019s two occupants, described by police as young people, were arrested.<\/p>\n
Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett said a major investigation is now underway.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe serious crash unit has carried out a scene examination and a section of the road remains closed.<\/p>\n
\u201cPolice are working to understand the full circumstances of what occurred and notify relevant agencies.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis work will take time, and we will share information when we are in a position to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bennett said support was being provided to the injured officers, their families and colleagues.<\/p>\n
No further details have been released about the officers\u2019 condition or the identities of those arrested.<\/p>\n
Officer killed 18 years ago while laying road spikes<\/p>\n
Sergeant Derek Wootton died on July 11, 2008, while laying road spikes in Titahi Bay to stop a fleeing driver. Photo \/ NZ Police<\/p>\n