2 Jan 2025

Driver charged with murder over policewoman's death

5:30 pm on 2 January 2025
Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming.

Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police

The 32-year-old man accused of driving the vehicle that fatally struck a Nelson police officer has been charged with murder and multiple other charges, police have confirmed.

Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming was one of two officers struck by a vehicle in Nelson's Buxton Square at about 2am on 1 January. She later died from her injuries.

Senior Sergeant Adam Ramsey remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Two members of the public were also injured in this incident - one woman received a broken arm and a man who came to assist police was injured in his shoulder. A third police officer was assessed for a concussion and discharged from hospital.

The driver of the vehicle that hit the officers was arrested at the scene after being tasered.

In a statement released this afternoon, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said the arrested man will face eight charges, including murder and attempted murder.

He is also charged with two charges of assault using a vehicle as a weapon; two charges of wounding with intent (reckless disregard) in relation to the other officer who was injured and a member of the public; dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

Chambers said further charges may follow.

The man will appear in Nelson District Court tomorrow.

Chambers said the incident which claimed the life of the widely-respected police officer with 38 years front-line service was "tragic and senseless"

"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."

Chambers thanked the investigation team who had worked "around the clock".

"They continue to speak with a number of witnesses today and have enquiries well underway."

Tasman District criminal investigations manager Detective Inspector Lex Bruning has appealed for any footage of yesterday morning's event.

"The investigation team have set up a dedicated portal for receiving photos and videos and would appreciate the public's assistance with this."

Anyone with footage of the incident can upload it here.

Bruning said police would also like to hear from anyone who was in the area who witnessed the incident, or any events leading up to it.

"We will be doing area enquiries which will include visiting business in the area canvassing for CCTV footage."

Fleming's family said they wished to acknowledge Nelson Hospital, the members of the public who came to the assistance of the injured officers, and all of those injured in this incident.