OPP officer killed in line of duty in northern Ontario, police say

[Michael Jack]

An Ontario Provincial Police constable was killed in the line of duty Tuesday afternoon in northern Ontario, the force said.

Officers were conducting an investigation near the town of Hearst around 12:30 p.m. and Const. Tarun Bali was seriously injured, provincial police said. Bali has since died, OPP said.

Police gave no further details on the incident but said one person is in custody.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death is underway, with the help of the chief coroner’s office and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, OPP said.

Bali had been with the service for 2 1/2 years and was assigned to the Dufferin detachment but currently on deployment with the James Bay detachment, they said.

“The OPP is supporting the member’s family as they navigate this profound loss. We extend our sincere condolences to all those affected by this tragic event and recognize its significant impact on loved ones, colleagues and the broader policing community,” the force said in a statement.

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique and Ontario Premier Doug Ford offered condolences to Bali’s loved ones.

“We honour his courage, service and sacrifice,” Ford said in a social media post.

Carrique shared a similar message, saying the officer’s courage and commitment to serving others will “never be forgotten.”

“As we grieve this immeasurable loss, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, colleagues and the policing community,” he wrote on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/ ... io-police/

[Michael Jack]

Provincial police say officers were conducting an investigation near the town of Hearst around 12:30 p.m.

HEARST - An Ontario Provincial Police constable was killed in the line of duty Tuesday afternoon in northern Ontario, the force said.

Officers were conducting an investigation near the town of Hearst around 12:30 p.m. and Const. Tarun Bali was seriously injured, provincial police said. Bali has since died, OPP said.

Police gave no further details on the incident but said one person is in custody.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death is underway, with the help of the chief coroner’s office and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, OPP said.

Bali had been with the service for 2 1/2 years and was assigned to the Dufferin detachment but currently on deployment with the James Bay detachment, they said.

“The OPP is supporting the member’s family as they navigate this profound loss. We extend our sincere condolences to all those affected by this tragic event and recognize its significant impact on loved ones, colleagues and the broader policing community,” the force said in a statement.

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique and Ontario Premier Doug Ford offered condolences to Bali’s loved ones.

“We honour his courage, service and sacrifice,” Ford said in a social media post.

Carrique shared a similar message, saying the officer’s courage and commitment to serving others will “never be forgotten.”

“As we grieve this immeasurable loss, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, colleagues and the policing community,” he wrote on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter.

The union representing uniformed and civilian members of the OPP said it was a reminder of the dangers that police face on the job.

“On behalf of the OPP Association, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Provincial Constable Bali’s family, friends and colleagues,” said president David Sabatini in a statement. “We will steadfastly support PC Bali’s family and co-workers.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2026.

The Canadian Press

https://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/cp ... d9ba9.html

[Michael Jack]

HEARST — An Ontario Provincial Police officer has died in the line of duty in Hearst.

In a statement issued this afternoon, OPP confirmed that Provincial Const. Tarun Bali, 29, was killed in the line of duty while taking part in an investigation in the area of Kendall Concession Road 7 and Concession Road 6.

Police said members of the James Bay OPP were conducting an investigation at approximately 12:30 p.m. when an officer was seriously injured. Bali was later pronounced dead.

One person is currently in custody.

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique shared a statement on Facebook.

“It is with deep sorrow that I confirm that OPP Provincial Const. Tarun Bali was killed in the line of duty this afternoon in Hearst,” Carrique said.

“His courage and commitment to serving others will never be forgotten. As we grieve this immeasurable loss, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, colleagues, and the policing community.”

Police identified Bali as a member of the Dufferin OPP Detachment with two-and-a-half years of service. At the time of his death, he was deployed with the James Bay Detachment.

Police did not release any information about the cause of death. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

The investigation is being led by the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

In its release, the OPP said it is supporting Bali's family and recognized the impact of the loss on his loved ones, colleagues and the broader policing community.

TimminsToday has reached out to the OPP for additional information.

Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

More information is expected following a 7 p.m. address by OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique. TimminsToday will update this story as details become available.

https://www.timminstoday.com/police-bea ... t-12397857

https://www.stratfordtoday.ca/police-be ... t-12397943

[Michael Jack]

An Ontario Provincial Police officer has died after being seriously injured during an investigation in the Hearst area, authorities said Tuesday.

Const. Tarun Bali, 29, a member of the Dufferin Detachment with two and a half years of service, was killed in the line of duty while on deployment with the James Bay Detachment, the OPP confirmed.

The incident occurred at about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday on Kendall Concession Road 7 near Concession Road 6 in the Hearst area.

Police said officers were conducting an investigation when Bali was hit by a vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An 18-year-old man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder, dangerous driving and flight from police, OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique told reporters Tuesday evening.

“Charges will be filed before the courts as the investigation continues, but those are the charges on which the accused has been arrested,” Carrique said.

The accused remains in custody. OPP did not release his name, citing the ongoing investigation.

Investigation underway

The OPP Criminal Investigation Branch is leading the investigation, working alongside the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

CTV News has learned Bali’s body will be transferred to the Chief Coroner’s Office on Morton Shulman Way in Toronto for examination and is expected to arrive sometime Wednesday morning. A procession of emergency vehicles will be escorting the remains over the approximately 10-hour drive.

“The OPP is supporting the member’s family as they navigate this profound loss,” the provincial police force said in a statement.

Carrique said he has met with Bali’s family and saw a photo of the constable at age two saluting another photo of a police officer. He described Bali as a dedicated officer and a team player.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Police, political leaders react

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique expressed deep sorrow over the loss.

“His courage and commitment to serving others will never be forgotten,” Carrique said in a social media post earlier Tuesday.

The commissioner noted the toll the death has taken on officers.

“The reality of this job really hits home,” he said.

“Our officers right across this province are heroes … by putting their lives on the line to keep the rest of us safe.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also offered condolences.

“On behalf of the people of Ontario, I extend my sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and OPP colleagues,” Ford posted on social media.

Police associations pay tribute

The OPP Association described the death as every police family’s worst nightmare.

“This is another reminder of the dangers that our members face each and every day as they serve and protect the citizens of Ontario,” OPP Association President David Sabatini said in a statement.

The Canadian Police Association also mourned the loss.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, colleagues, our OPP Association partners, and all who are grieving this heartbreaking line-of-duty death,” said association spokesperson Michael Gendron in a statement to media.

Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner also offered condolences, saying his thoughts are with Bali’s family, loved ones and colleagues.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of OPP Provincial Const. Tarun Bali, who was killed in the line of duty earlier today,” Kerzner said in a statement posted to social media.

The OPP Association said funeral arrangements will be shared when details are available.

With files from the Canadian Press

https://www.ctvnews.ca/northern-ontario ... e-of-duty/

[Michael Jack]

Justin Veronneau of Hearst to appear in court June 24 in death of Const. Tarun Bali

An 18-year-old man from Hearst, Ont., has been formally charged with first-degree murder after a provincial police (OPP) constable was seriously injured Tuesday during an investigation near the town and later died.

An OPP release Wednesday named Justin Veronneau as the accused in the death of Const. Tarun Bali, who'd been in the force for 2½ years.

Veronneau has also been charged with:

- Assault on police.
- Two counts of flight from police.
- Resisting arrest.
- Dangerous driving.
- Dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death.

He's scheduled to appear in court June 24.

On Tuesday evening, OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique said the accused had escaped from a hospital, where he was being assessed under the Mental Health Act.

Officers were trying to apprehend him when a vehicle struck Bali, who was seriously injured and later pronounced dead.

OPP officers and a member of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) took the accused into custody.

Bali was assigned to the Dufferin detachment in southern Ontario and had more than two years of service. Carrique said Bali had previously completed rotations in the James Bay detachment area.

Earlier, the OPP said in a release that the officers from the James Bay detachment were investigating in the Kendall Concession Road 7 and Concession Road 6 area near Hearst at around 12:30 p.m. ET Tuesday.

The OPP criminal investigation branch is looking into Bali's death, in conjunction with the Office of the chief coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Officer 'well liked' and 'respected'

Carrique said he and his fellow officers were "absolutely heartbroken" with the loss of Bali.

"I can tell you that provincial Const. Bali dreamed of being a police officer."

Carrique said he sat down with the officer's family and saw a photo of Bali when he was two years old, saluting next to a photo of a police officer.

In an interview with CBC News, OPP Association president David Sabatini said other members of the Dufferin detachment are grieving.

"Const. Bali was a very well liked and respected member of [the Dufferin] detachment and of the OPP organization," he said.

"This is every police and family member's worst nightmare. It's another reminder of the dangers that our members face every day as they serve to protect the citizens of Ontario."

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/ ... -9.7229166

[Michael Jack]

'This is every police and family member's worst nightmare,' says OPP Association president

Tributes continue to pour in from across Ontario following the death of an Ontario Provincial Police officer who was killed in the line of duty in Hearst.

Community leaders, police services, first responders and elected officials have expressed their condolences since the death of Const. Tarun Bali was announced by the OPP on Tuesday (June 9).

Bali, a member of the Dufferin OPP Detachment, was deployed with the James Bay Detachment when he was fatally injured during an investigation in the area of Kendall Concession Road 7 and Concession Road 6.

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique said Tuesday that Bali was struck by a motor vehicle while officers were conducting an investigation.

As a result of the investigation, Justin Veronneau, 18, of Hearst has been charged with:

- First-degree murder
- Assaulting a peace officer
- Flight from police (two counts)
- Resisting arrest
- Dangerous operation causing death
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle

The investigation remains ongoing.

The Town of Hearst was among the organizations sharing messages of support Wednesday.

“It is with profound sadness that we learned of the tragic passing of Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Provincial Constable Tarun Bali, who lost his life in the line of duty in Hearst on June 9, 2026,” the municipality said in a statement.

“His dedication, courage, and unwavering commitment to the safety of our community deserve our deepest respect.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also paid tribute to Bali.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of OPP Provincial Constable Tarun Bali, who was killed in the line of duty today while serving in Hearst,” Ford wrote on social media Tuesday.

“On behalf of the people of Ontario, I extend my sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and OPP colleagues. We honour his courage, service and sacrifice.”

Federal and provincial representatives from Northern Ontario joined in offering condolences.

Kapuskasing–Timmins–Mushkegowuk MP Gaétan Malette described Bali as someone who dedicated his life to protecting others and serving his community with courage, professionalism and selflessness.

Mushkegowuk–James Bay MPP Guy Bourgouin said his thoughts were with the officer's family, friends and fellow officers as they grieve the loss.

The Ontario Provincial Police Association also released a statement Tuesday evening.

“This is every police and family member's worst nightmare,” OPP Association president David Sabatini said.

“This is another reminder of the dangers that our members face each and every day as they serve and protect the citizens of Ontario.”

Sabatini said the association would continue to support Bali's family, friends and colleagues.

Police agencies and emergency services from across the North also shared messages of support.

The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service said Bali would be remembered for his courage and commitment to serving others.

The Cochrane District Paramedic Service noted that paramedics and police officers often work side by side on difficult calls throughout the region.

“When a hero falls, the entire first responder family feels the immeasurable weight of that loss,” the service said.

The City of Timmins described Bali's death as a solemn reminder of the dedication and sacrifice demonstrated every day by law enforcement officers.

Moose Cree First Nation also offered condolences, acknowledging the dedication and commitment of frontline workers who serve communities across Northern Ontario.

According to the OPP, Bali had served with the force for two-and-a-half years. Carrique described him as a dedicated officer and team player who had dreamed of becoming a police officer from a young age.

The commissioner said he recently met with Bali's family and saw a photograph of him at the age of two saluting a picture of a police officer.

“The reality of this job really hits home,” Carrique told reporters.

“Our officers right across this province are heroes by putting their lives on the line to keep the rest of us safe.”

Information regarding funeral arrangements has not yet been released.

With files from the Canadian Press

https://www.orilliamatters.com/police-b ... y-12402229

[Michael Jack]

'Provincial Constable Bali dreamed of being a police officer.'

First degree murder charges have been laid against an 18 year old male in connection with the death of Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Constable Tarun Bali, which occurred early Tuesday afternoon near Hearst.

OPP commissioner Thomas Carrique made an announcement in Hearst on Tuesday that an 18-year old male has been arrested for flight from police, dangerous driving, and first degree murder.

“Earlier this afternoon, the accused fled from a hospital where he was being assessed under the authority of the Mental Health Act, and as officers attempted to safely apprehend the accused, our officer was struck by a motor vehicle and killed, while that motor vehicle was being driven by the accused,” said Carrique.

“I’d like to extend my sincere gratitude to the OPP officers, and a Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service (NAPS) officer, who safely apprehended the accused before he could cause more damage and harm to others.”

Carrique also expressed gratitude to the officers and paramedics who attempted to save Bali’s life.

The accused remains in custody, and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Hearst on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. He has formally been charged with six Criminal Code offences.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, which is under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

“I rely on our officers right across this province, to keep our citizens safe and secure. They risk their lives every single day. Their physical safety, their psychological well-being, and on days like today, the reality of this job really hits home,” said Carrique.

“When we lose one of our own, we all do everything we can to come together, ensure justice is served, that we are supported as an organization, and our officers families are supported.”

Carrique spoke about the heartbreak from the entire OPP.

“I can tell you that Provincial Constable Bali dreamed of being a police officer,” he said, remarking on recent conversations he had with Bali’s family.

“We saw a picture, from when he was two years old, where he stood there saluting in the image of a police officer.”

“This showed in the work that he did each and every day. Described as a team player, and a dedicated officer. An extremely competent crime fighter, but somebody also passionate for community, who supported victims, and would do anything for the community that he served.”

Bali was a member of the Dufferin OPP detachment, in Orangeville, with two and a half years of service. He was on deployment with the James Bay detachment on a voluntary basis at the time of his death, to assist with balancing staffing levels.

“This was not the first time that he volunteered for this deployment, and he was welcomed back,” said Carrique.

https://www.timminspress.com/news/opp-o ... er-charges

[Michael Jack]

'Policing community across the country is grieving' after Const. Tarun Bali's death, says Mayor Patrick Brown

An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) constable killed in the line of duty near Hearst is being remembered as a “selfless” and “courageous” officer whose death has left communities across the province and beyond grieving.

“He was a young man who put himself in harm’s way to keep the public safe,” said Patrick Brown, mayor of Brampton, where Const. Tarun Bali was raised and still has family.

Brown said Bali, 29, had volunteered for a backfill assignment in northern Ontario to help police services during staffing shortages. On Tuesday, the officer, who had been with the OPP for 2½ years, was seriously injured during an investigation near Hearst and later died.

Justin Veronneau, 18, of Hearst has been charged with first-degree murder and several related offences, including dangerous driving and resisting arrest, OPP said Wednesday.

Officers were attempting to arrest him after he’d escaped from a hospital where he was being assessed under the Mental Health Act when Bali was struck by a vehicle, according to the OPP. The accused is scheduled for a court hearing on June 24.

The force's Criminal Investigation Branch is investigating the circumstances surrounding Bali's death, alongside the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Flags lowered to half-mast

Brown, noting Bali's deep ties to Brampton, said the officer’s family described him as "'courageous, selfless'" and someone who "'just wanted to protect the public.'"

The mayor said he has spoken with provincial officials, including Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and Premier Doug Ford, about plans to honour Bali. A memorial service is expected in the coming days.

Flags on federal buildings in Ontario, except for the Peace Tower in Ottawa, are being lowered to half-mast from Wednesday through sunset Monday.

Brown confirmed Brampton has lowered flags in Bali's memory.

"The entire policing community across the country is grieving today at this senseless loss. There are no words."

In Hearst, Mayor Roger Sigouin said the town has been left stunned, describing what happened as a shock for a small, close-knit community with a population of about 5,000.

“It’s not something you want to hear, something you don’t want to go through," Sigouin said. "It's a big shock for everyone."

He said the town has little experience with line-of-duty police deaths and he plans to check in with community members over the coming days.

Support teams available to officers

Bali's colleagues described him as “a perfect gentleman” who was well respected in the police force and the community, said Scott Mills, a spokesperson for the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA).

Mills said the response from the policing community has been overwhelming, with agencies across Canada and internationally reaching out to offer support.

“Losing a police officer in the line of duty, killed in the line of duty, is the absolute worst nightmare for any police member and for any family member of a police officer.

“It's something that you're scared of, something that's always in the back of your mind. When it happens, the feeling is just unbelievable sadness. You can't even function anymore.”

Mills said the association is in contact with Bali’s family and support teams are being made available, including 24/7 mental health resources for officers impacted by the loss.

The City of Kitchener, where Bali also had ties, was among other municipalities offering condolences.

Mayor Berry Vrbanovic called Bali "a valued member" of Kitchener's bylaw enforcement team from 2021 to 2023 before joining the OPP.

"Tarun’s passing is being met with sadness, but he will be fondly remembered by his Kitchener colleagues for his strong work ethic, positive attitude, infectious smile, and warm and approachable personality.

"Tarun made a lasting impression on those around him, and his kindness and dedication will not be forgotten."

Vrbanovic also said flags at all city buildings will be lowered until Bali's memorial service.

“He was endearing to anyone that he met."

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/ ... -9.7230311

[Michael Jack]

Commissioner says an 18-year-old man has been arrested on charges of first-degree murder, dangerous driving and flight from police

HEARST — Canada's public safety minister is one of several officials offering condolences after an Ontario Provincial Police constable was killed in the line of duty in northern Ontario.

Gary Anandasangaree says on social media he was saddened to hear of Const. Tarun Bali's death in the town of Hearst, about 520 kilometres east of Thunder Bay.

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique says Bali was struck by a motor vehicle Tuesday afternoon as officers were conducting an investigation and the 29-year-old later died.

Carrique says an 18-year-old man has been arrested on charges of first-degree murder, dangerous driving and flight from police.

"Charges will be filed before the courts as the investigation continues, but those are the charges on which the accused has been arrested," Carrique told reporters Tuesday.

The union representing uniformed and civilian members of the OPP, as well as Carrique and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, also shared tributes on social media.

Bali had been with the OPP for 2 1/2 years and was assigned to central Ontario's Dufferin detachment, but was on a deployment with the James Bay detachment.

Bali's death comes a little more than one month after another OPP officer, Sgt. Brandon Malcolm, was killed in a highway crash involving a motorcycle on Highway 401 in Cobourg, east of Toronto.

Carrique said he's met with Bali's family and saw a picture of him at age two saluting another photo of a police officer. He described the constable as a dedicated officer and team player.

Carrique said officers risk their lives every day and it's tough on members when they lose one of their own.

"The reality of this job really hits home," he said. "Our officers right across this province are heroes … by putting their lives on the line to keep the rest of us safe."

The union representing uniformed and civilian members of the OPP said it was a reminder of the dangers that police face on the job.

"On behalf of the OPP Association, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Provincial Constable Bali’s family, friends and colleagues," said president David Sabatini in a statement.

"We will steadfastly support PC Bali’s family and co-workers.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 10, 2026.

The Canadian Press

https://www.orilliamatters.com/police-b ... e_vignette

[Michael Jack]

'Policing community across the country is grieving' after Const. Tarun Bali's death, says Mayor Patrick Brown

An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) constable killed in the line of duty near Hearst is being remembered as a “selfless” and “courageous” officer whose death has left communities across the province and beyond grieving.

“He was a young man who put himself in harm’s way to keep the public safe,” said Patrick Brown, mayor of Brampton, where Const. Tarun Bali was raised and still has family.

Brown said Bali, 29, had volunteered for a backfill assignment in northern Ontario to help police services during staffing shortages. On Tuesday, the officer, who had been with the OPP for 2½ years, was seriously injured during an investigation near Hearst and later died.

Justin Veronneau, 18, of Hearst has been charged with first-degree murder and several related offences, including dangerous driving and resisting arrest, OPP said Wednesday.

Officers were attempting to arrest him after he’d escaped from a hospital where he was being assessed under the Mental Health Act when Bali was struck by a vehicle, according to the OPP. The accused is scheduled for a court hearing on June 24.

The force's Criminal Investigation Branch is investigating the circumstances surrounding Bali's death, alongside the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Flags lowered to half-mast

Brown, noting Bali's deep ties to Brampton, said the officer’s family described him as "'courageous, selfless'" and someone who "'just wanted to protect the public.'"

The mayor said he has spoken with provincial officials, including Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and Premier Doug Ford, about plans to honour Bali. A memorial service is expected in the coming days.

Flags on federal buildings in Ontario, except for the Peace Tower in Ottawa, are being lowered to half-mast from Wednesday through sunset Monday.

Brown confirmed Brampton has lowered flags in Bali's memory.

"The entire policing community across the country is grieving today at this senseless loss. There are no words."

In Hearst, Mayor Roger Sigouin said the town has been left stunned, describing what happened as a shock for a small, close-knit community with a population of about 5,000.

“It’s not something you want to hear, something you don’t want to go through," Sigouin said. "It's a big shock for everyone."

He said the town has little experience with line-of-duty police deaths and he plans to check in with community members over the coming days.

Support teams available to officers

Bali's colleagues described him as “a perfect gentleman” who was well respected in the police force and the community, said Scott Mills, a spokesperson for the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA).

“He was endearing to anyone that he met."

Mills said the response from the policing community has been overwhelming, with agencies across Canada and internationally reaching out to offer support.

“Losing a police officer in the line of duty, killed in the line of duty, is the absolute worst nightmare for any police member and for any family member of a police officer.

“It's something that you're scared of, something that's always in the back of your mind. When it happens, the feeling is just unbelievable sadness. You can't even function anymore.”

Mills said the association is in contact with Bali’s family and support teams are being made available, including 24/7 mental health resources for officers impacted by the loss.

The City of Kitchener, where Bali also had ties, was among other municipalities offering condolences.

Mayor Berry Vrbanovic called Bali "a valued member" of Kitchener's bylaw enforcement team from 2021 to 2023 before joining the OPP.

"Tarun’s passing is being met with sadness, but he will be fondly remembered by his Kitchener colleagues for his strong work ethic, positive attitude, infectious smile, and warm and approachable personality.

"Tarun made a lasting impression on those around him, and his kindness and dedication will not be forgotten."

Vrbanovic also said flags at all city buildings will be lowered until Bali's memorial service.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/ ... -9.7230311

[Michael Jack]

After Ontario Provincial Police lost one of their own in the line of duty on Tuesday, one person is in custody and facing charges.

Constable Tarun Bali, 29, died Tuesday afternoon in Hearst, Ont.

He was attempting to arrest a suspect, police say, when he was struck by a car.

Police have laid charges, including first-degree murder, against 18-year-old Justin Veronneau in connection with the death of Bali.

The incident happened in the a Kendall Concession Road 7 near Concession Road 6 in the Hearst, more than 800 kilometres northwest of Barrie.

Commissioner of the OPP, Thomas Carrique, confirmed the arrest at a press conference on Tuesday evening.

Veronneau is also charged with assaulting a police officer, dangerous driving, resisting arrest and flight from police.

“Charges will be filed before the courts as the investigation continues, but those are the charges on which the accused has been arrested,” Carrique said.

Bali was with the Dufferin attachment of OPP, but was on deployment with the James Bay detachment when he was killed in the line of duty.

Bali’s body is expected to arrive at the Chief Coroner’s office in Toronto on Wednesday.

Local Reactions

In a post on social media, Barrie Police Service extended its “deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Cst. Bali of the Ontario Provincial Police at this difficult time.”

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues as they navigate this profound loss,” said South Simcoe Police in a social media post on Wednesday morning.

Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall posted his reaction to the death of Bali online.

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of OPP Constable Tarun Bali, who was killed in the line of duty. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues” Nuttall said.

Dufferin OPP covers Shelbourne, Orangeville and Mono, among other places.

“Today, our hearts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of Provincial Constable Tarun Bali,” said Shelbourne Mayor Wade Mills.

“We are reminded today of the risks that police officers and other first responders accept in service to our communities each day,” Mills said, adding “may P.C. Bali’s service and sacrifice never be forgotten.”

“This heartbreaking loss is felt far beyond the policing community,” said Orangeville’s Mayor, Lisa Post.

“PC Bali was a member of Dufferin OPP and today we hold his family, friends, colleagues and all members of our local detachment in our thoughts as they navigate an unimaginable grief,” added post in her statement on Facebook.

“To the members of Dufferin OPP and the wider OPP family, please know that your community stands with you,” she said.

“It is with great sadness that we hear OPP Provincial Constable Tarun Bali,” said Mono mayor John Creelman.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and all those who knew him,” Creelman said.

https://guelph.ctvnews.ca/barrie/articl ... e-of-duty/

[Michael Jack]

Officer was struck by driver of vehicle Tuesday in northern town of Hearst

A sombre police procession brought the body of an Ontario police officer killed in the line of duty this week to Thornhill, Ont., on Friday morning ahead of his funeral.

Lights flashing, the Ontario Provincial Police motorcade carrying the body of Const. Tarun Bali left the coroner's office in North York and headed west on Highway 401 to a funeral home in Thornhill.

Bali, 29, was struck by the driver of a vehicle on Tuesday in the northern town of Hearst, about 520 kilometres east of Thunder Bay, as fellow investigators searched for a man who had escaped from a hospital.

Justin Veronneau, an 18-year-old man from Hearst, now faces charges including first-degree murder, assaulting police and dangerous operation of a vehicle.

OPP Sgt. Joe Brisebois said he got goosebumps as the procession passed construction workers who had removed their hats and bridges filled with saluting first responders.

"It feels like time is slowing down. Noise is fading," Brisebois said in a video livestream of the procession.

"There's only respect, gratitude and unity."

Bali had been with the OPP for two-and-a-half years and was assigned to central Ontario's Dufferin detachment but was on a deployment with the James Bay detachment.

OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk, also speaking in the livestream, said the outpouring of support has been remarkable.

"That image of people lining the overpasses is one that we'll carry with us," Sanchuk said. "I'm not usually at a loss for words, but I'm truly at a loss for words."

The officers said onlookers taking time out of their busy days understand that an officer's death reverberates through the entire community.


Community is in shock, says mayor

Earlier this week, Hearst Mayor Roger Sigouin said Bali's death marks the first time an officer has died in the line of duty in the town, and the community is reeling.

He said that people are in shock but supporting one another, including community members who offered to pay for the meals of two officers who went out for breakfast Wednesday morning.

Police said arrangements for Bali's funeral are still in the works. In the meantime, they invited people to sign a book of condolences at OPP detachments in Orangeville and Primrose.

Taking a moment to pay their respects makes people part of Bali's story, Sanchuk said.

"People respond in the most human way possible," Sanchuk said. "They stand, they wait, and they bear witness."

Bali is one of two officers killed in the line of duty in the province this week. Const. Marc Pinizzotto, a Toronto police veteran, was shot dead Thursday during a raid linked to investigations into multiple shootings, including one at the U.S. Consulate in March.

Pinizzotto, who was 43, was carrying out a search at an apartment building in the city's northwest and died in hospital.

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