KEY POINTS:
Police around the country are mourning the loss of a colleague, killed by a stolen car he was trying to stop early today.
A 32-year-old man was remanded in custody when he appeared in Porirua District Court this afternoon accused of dangerous driving causing death of Police Sergeant
Derek Wootton.
Police spoke of an "outpouring of grief" at the Porirua station over the loss of Mr Wootton, 52, termed by his superiors as a "well respected and experienced" officer.
He was the 27th New Zealand police officer to be killed in the line of duty.
Mr Wootton was laying spikes on Dimock St, Titahi Bay, to stop a stolen Prelude car which fellow officers were pursuing when he was hit by the car.
He died at the scene despite police and ambulance officers attempts to revive him.
The stolen car was stopped about 300m down the road and a 32-year-old was arrested and charged with dangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving, aggravated robbery, relating to the theft of the Honda, failing to stop after a motor accident and kidnapping.
The kidnapping charge related to a 16-year-old occupant of the car.
The man, unemployed and of no fixed abode, appeared in Porirua District Court and was remanded in custody to reappear on July 15.
His name and identifying details were suppressed.
Police said there was an altercation near the Tawa swimming pool about 2am which resulted in officers pursuing a black Honda Prelude through Porirua suburb Elsdon and into Titahi Bay.
They have appealed for anyone who saw the car in the Titahi Bay area between 2am and 3am to come forward.
Wellington Police District Commander Superintendent Pieri Munro said Mr Wootton's death was a "huge loss for his family, police colleagues and the wider community".
He said there had been an "outpouring of grief" among his colleagues today.
Mr Wootton had been a police officer since March 1994. Before joining the force he was a builder and milkman.
He is survived by his partner, a non-sworn despatch operator at police central communication centre, and her two daughters. His brother is a police officer in Wellington.
Mr Wootton was "still doing the hard yards" and was experienced and well respected, Mr Munro said.
"He had a special affinity with young police officers."
He had recently been awarded a 14-year-long service and conduct medal.
Many of Mr Wootton's family members were involved with the police and he was a keen rugby player for the Northern United club in Porirua, Mr Munro said.
Police Commissioner Howard Broad said the incident would be looked upon as the "rare, but very real and ever present threat that we (police) all share".
"Here is a man who has paid the price.
"A day like today brings home the vulnerability we have everyday in the police."
He said there was a comprehensive support system set up for Mr Wootton's family and colleagues.
"Quite a number of investigations" will now take place including a coroners inquest and Occupational Health and Safety and Independent Police Conduct Authority probes.
Dimock St resident Justine Chalmers said she was woken up early by "sirens, banging and yelling".
The stolen car was eventually stopped across the road from her home.
She said she looked out to see the car and police stopping the two people.
One was taken away quickly and the other was put in a police car, which had since got stuck in the mud, she said.
Ms Chalmers said the all the police officers disappeared except one woman.
"Obviously someone came back and told her the sergeant was dead because she was crying and stuff. I took her over a cup of coffee with some sugar in it."
She said there had been about three police chases down the suburban street in the last couple of years.
A resident from further up the street, Ray Algar, said he heard the cars coming from the bottom of the street.
"When I got up I saw the mess.
"The worse part is it was a good friend of mine they killed."
He said Mr Wootton was a "really, really nice guy", who loved playing rugby, softball and singing along with a guitar.
"If you needed another brother, Derek would be it".
- NZPA
