A Nelson police officer was seriously assaulted in an incident on Tuesday afternoon.
The officer and a colleague witnessed a man assaulting a woman near the corner of Waimea Rd and Franklyn St at about 2.45pm. When the officer intervened the offender attacked him.
The offender then attempted to attack the second officer, but ran off after being pepper sprayed.
The first officer suffered three fractures to his jaw, received 40 stitches to his face and will require dental reconstruction. He was treated at Nelson Hospital and is now recovering at home. He is expected to be off work for about two weeks.
Nelson Bays Area Commander Inspector Steve Greally said the attack had shocked himself and the officer’s colleagues.
“I’m in no doubt that the wider Nelson community will be disgusted by this attack. It is completely unacceptable for an officer who is performing his duty in protecting the community is subject to this sort of behaviour,” Inspector Greally said.
Inspector Greally said both the Police Commissioner Peter Marshall and the Minister of Police Anne Tolley had also expressed their concern to him.
The offender, a 23 year old Nelson man will appear in the Nelson District Court today charged with Aggravated Wounding.
Police are seeking any witnesses to this incident. The officer’s glasses were knocked from his face during the incident and have not yet been recovered. Anyone with any information should contact the Nelson CIB, 5463840.
