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.
“As we grieve this immeasurable loss, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, colleagues and the policing community.”
— OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique
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.
“On behalf of the OPP Association, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Provincial Constable Bali’s family, friends and colleagues.”
— OPP Association President David Sabatini
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.
“As we grieve this tragedy, we remember the extraordinary courage and sense of duty required of those who put on the uniform and serve our province each day.”
— Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner
“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
