Sean Ward, a 29-year-old former member of the Canadian Armed Forces from Ontario, has died in the hospital following a shooting outside a Belleville synagogue on Sunday night, as reported by the province’s Special Investigations Unit.
Details about the Quinte West man accused of firing at and injuring active-duty Belleville Police Service officer Const. Jeff Smith, who was stationed outside while congregants were inside for Yom Kippur services, remain limited.
Ward was struck by multiple bullets and reportedly required resuscitation at the scene, according to Kristy Denette, spokesperson for the Ontario Special Investigations Unit. At that time, he was in critical condition at Kingston General Hospital, where an autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.
confirmed on Tuesday that Ward had previously served in the CAF.
A representative from CAF indicated they have a Sean Ward who “matches the description provided,” having joined the forces in July 2017 and “released in June 2022 at the rank of corporal.”
“He served as an infantry soldier with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and did not deploy during his service,” they shared with via email.
“We’re ready to assist with the investigation if needed.”
The Princess Patricia’s regiment is located in Edmonton.
A picture of Ward wearing Canadian military fatigues has been circulating online and was posted by his father, Doug Ward, back in 2017.
“Follow your dream son love you,” he commented, stating that his son was stationed in Alberta.
has reached out to Doug for further comments.
As per recent updates, injured officer Const. Smith is currently stable at Kingston General Hospital-the same facility where Ward received treatment. A Go Fund Me campaign supporting Smith has raised over $90,000 as of Tuesday afternoon.
After arriving just after 7 p. m. in a pickup truck armed with a shotgun, Ward allegedly opened fire on Smith’s unmarked police vehicle. According to preliminary evidence presented by Denette, Smith returned fire alongside another responding officer who also engaged.
Denette mentioned that Ward suffered “multiple strikes from the officer.”
Police visited Ward’s home in Quinte West where he lived with his mother on Monday, according to CBC.
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