Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said a 32-year-old man faces eight charges, including murder, attempted murder, assault using a vehicle as a weapon, wounding with intent, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.
A man has been charged after the death of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming, who is pictured. Photo / New Zealand Police
He will appear in the Nelson District Court today.
Police cordon off a carpark in central Nelson where Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming and her colleague were in the early hours of New Year's Day. Photo / Tim Cuff
Chambers said Fleming was the first policewoman to be killed in the line of duty in New Zealand. She was also the first police officer to be killed while on duty in Nelson, he said.
He said Fleming’s family wanted to acknowledge Nelson Hospital, the members of the public who went to help Fleming and her injured colleagues, and all other victims of the violent incident.
Fleming was injured alongside her colleague Senior Sergeant Adam Ramsay and another officer yet to be publically identified when a car was rammed into her and a police car. Two members of the public were also injured.
She and her colleagues had been doing foot patrols in Nelson’s central city when they were allegedly set upon with the vehicle in Buxton Square about 2.10am.
Fleming succumbed to her injuries in hospital surrounded by her family yesterday, Chambers said.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell (left) and Police Commissioner Richard Chambers (centre) front at a press conference in Nelson talking about the death of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo / Tim Cuff
He said Ramsay’s condition in hospital had improved and he “is beginning his recovery journey”. The members of the public injured were also continuing to recover, he said.
Chambers said they are doing everything they can to support Fleming’s family but described it as an “incredibly difficult time for them as they come to terms with what has happened”.
He said police have been “extremely heartened” by the response from the local community and across New Zealand and thanked those who have delivered flowers, cards and “thousands of messages”.
“The coming days, weeks and months are going to be tough for the staff in Nelson as they come to terms with what has happened but it is an absolute priority for police that we wrap support around the staff directly impacted as well as the wider station.”
Yesterday morning, iwi from across Te Tau Ihu blessed the scene in Buxton Square.
Detective Inspector Lex Bruning, the criminal investigations manager for the Tasman District, said police will be canvassing the area and asking for security camera footage.
Bruning said anyone with information about the incident should contact police.
“If any businesses think they may have relevant CCTV then we would ask that they please get in touch with Nelson Police.
“Anyone with information can contact Police online or via 105 quoting file number 250101/1197."
Community pays tribute
Floral tributes and candles were left outside Nelson police station yesterday morning to honour Fleming’s life.
Those leaving messages have thanked Fleming for her 38 years serving the community as a police officer.
“A devastating day for our community. Arohanui to Lyn’s whānau, colleagues and friends,” one read.
“I am so devastated that your life was stolen from you, while you were at work keeping your community safe,” said another.
Tributes have been left at the Nelson Police Station for slain police officer Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo / Katrina Bennett
Others have offered support to the police force in general, with messages like: “Back the blue beyond the thin blue line.”
Christ Church Cathedral Reverand Steve Jordan said the community was in shock and grieving and would take some time to recover from the “horror” that unfolded.
“Nelson is a tight community, it is a very small city, it’s generally a very happy, peaceful place so the shockwaves will ripple out for some time yet.”
Police officers and first responders, including Tasman District Commander Superintendent Tracey Thompson, joined the Black Caps on the pitch in Nelson to pay tribute to Fleming yesterday afternoon.
Officers with bowed heads lined the field to honour their colleague at the start of the match, as the crowd gathered at Nelson’s Saxton Oval for the 3rd T20 International against Sri Lanka were invited to stand and observe a moment’s silence.
Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.
Katrina Bennett is the Herald’s head of Wellington news.
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