Photo credit: @OPPCommissioner/X
An Indian-origin police officer, Tarun Bali, was killed in the line of duty during an investigation near Hearst in northern Ontario on Tuesday, authorities said. An 18-year-old has been taken into custody as investigators probe the circumstances surrounding his death.Constable Tarun Bali, a member of the Ontario Provincial Police’s (OPP) Dufferin Detachment with two-and-a-half years of service, had been deployed with the James Bay Detachment when the incident occurred.The officers were conducting an investigation around 12.30 pm near Kendall Concession Road 7 and Concession Road 6 in the Hearst area when Bali was critically injured, according to the OPP.”A member of the OPP was seriously injured and has since been pronounced deceased,” the OPP said in a news release cited by CTV News.How was Tarun Bali killed?OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique confirmed Bali’s death in a statement posted on X. “It is with deep sorrow that I confirm that #OPP Provincial Constable Tarun Bali was killed in the line of duty this afternoon in Hearst. His courage and commitment to serving others will never be forgotten,” Carrique posted. “As we grieve this immeasurable loss, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, colleagues and the policing community,” he added. He later revealed that an 18-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Bali’s death.According to the OPP, the suspect had escaped from a hospital, where he was undergoing assessment under the Mental Health Act. Officers were attempting to apprehend him when he allegedly struck Constable Bali with a vehicle, CBC reported.In an update, Carrique said the accused also faces two counts each of flight from police and dangerous driving.The OPP Criminal Investigation Branch is leading the probe into the incident, with assistance from the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, the forces stated.Ontario Premier Doug Ford also paid tribute to Bali, calling his death a significant loss for the province.”I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of OPP Provincial Constable Tarun Bali… 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,” Ford said. The OPP said it is providing support to Bali’s family during this difficult time. “The OPP is supporting the member’s family as they navigate this profound loss,” the force said.Police associations across Ontario also mourned the officer’s death. OPP Association President David Sabatini said the tragedy highlighted the risks faced by frontline officers every day.”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 in a statement posted on X.
