A New South Wales Police sergeant has been formally charged following a critical incident last year where a marked police vehicle allegedly struck and seriously injured a pedestrian on the state's Mid North Coast.
Details of the Early Morning Incident
The incident occurred in the early hours of January 5, 2025. The officer, a sergeant attached to a northern region command, was responding to a call for assistance in his police vehicle just before 2:20am.
While travelling on Middleton Street in South Kempsey, the vehicle allegedly collided with a 39-year-old woman who was a pedestrian.
Serious Injuries and Hospital Transfers
The woman sustained multiple injuries in the collision. She was initially treated at Kempsey Hospital for what were described as non-life-threatening injuries.
However, due to the seriousness of her condition, she was later airlifted to the major trauma centre at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle for further specialist treatment. Senior police previously indicated the woman suffered injuries to her leg, pelvis, and spine.
Investigation Leads to Charges
A significant police investigation was launched immediately after the crash. A crime scene was established on Middleton Street, and the Crash Investigation Unit provided specialist support.
A critical incident team from the Manning-Great Lakes Police District took charge of the probe, examining all circumstances surrounding police involvement.
Following the lengthy investigation, the sergeant was issued a Court Attendance Notice on December 31. He is scheduled to appear at Taree Local Court on February 10, charged with one count of negligent driving causing grievous bodily harm.
A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed the officer's employment status is now under internal review, which is standard procedure following such incidents.
