OPP constable from Brampton killed in line of duty
Const. Tarun Bali, 29, was struck by a vehicle while attempting to arrest a fleeing suspect near Hearst, Ontario.
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An Ontario Provincial Police constable has been killed in the line of duty after being struck by a vehicle during an arrest attempt in northern Ontario.
Const. Tarun Bali, 29, of Brampton was injured Tuesday during an investigation near Hearst when officers attempted to arrest a man who had escaped from a hospital where he was being assessed under the Mental Health Act. The constable, who had served with the OPP for two and a half years, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Justin Veronneau, 18, of Hearst has been charged with first-degree murder along with dangerous driving and resisting arrest. He is scheduled for a court hearing June 24.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said Bali was raised in the city and volunteered for a backfill assignment in northern Ontario to help police services during staffing shortages. "He was a young man who put himself in harm's way to keep the public safe," Brown said. Bali's family described him as "courageous, selfless" and someone who "just wanted to protect the public."
The Ontario Provincial Police Association said Bali was "a perfect gentleman" who was well respected in the force and community. Flags on federal buildings in Ontario, except for the Peace Tower in Ottawa, have been lowered to half-mast through Monday. A memorial service is expected in the coming days.