A police officer critically injured after being struck by a fleeing vehicle near Palmerston North in August is now walking and talking, police say.
The officer was laying road spikes on Kairanga Bunnythorpe Rd at around 2am on August 22 when he was struck by the vehicle and thrown several metres.
He was airlifted to Wellington Hospital in a critical condition, placed on a ventilator and treated for a traumatic head injury.
Two teenagers, aged 14 and 15, were charged following the incident.
In an update today, Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett said the officer's condition had "substantially improved".
"His general health is good and his injuries are healing. He’s walking, albeit a little unsteady, and he’s talking," Bennett said.
The officer was laying road spikes near Palmerston North when the vehicle, allegedly stolen and carrying two teens, struck him and another officer. (Source: 1News)
Bennett said indications were the officer would need another three to six months of recovery, with his family remaining "steadfastly at his bedside".
"He mentioned to me that he greatly appreciates the interest and support from his Police colleagues and the wider community, and he asked me to pass on a message: 'It’s alright, I’m good, I’m safe. Thank you'."
The Palmerston North-based officer was previously described as a young father with a toddler, who graduated from Police College in December 2024.
In the days following the incident, Bennett said he was a "fantastic young man" and a "good bloke".
"He's the type of person that you want to sit down and have a conversation with," he said at the time.
The two teenagers charged over the incident had automatic name suppression due to their age.
The 15-year-old was charged with wounding with reckless disregard and reckless driving causing injury.
The pair were due to reappear in the Palmerston North Youth Court this month.
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