The OPP says Provincial Const. Tarun Bali, 29, of Brampton, was killed during an investigation on June 9, 2026. (Photo: OPP)
Flags at Brampton City Hall were lowered to half-mast on Wednesday to honor the passing of Tarun Bali – a police officer who lost his life in the line of duty this week and “son of Brampton,” according to Mayor Patrick Brown.
Bali, 29, had been with the OPP for two and a half years and was part of the Dufferin Detachment. He was deployed with the James Bay Detachment on Tuesday when a driver struck him during an investigation near Hearst, about 260 kilometers west of Timmins.
A graduate from Fleming College’s Customs / Border Services program, Bali grew up in Brampton after his family reportedly came from India. Mayor Patrick Brown stated that the young officer “made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the public.”
“His bravery is a powerful reminder of the risks our frontline officers face every single day,” Brown mentioned in a statement honoring Bali.
He is survived by his parents and wife, who will accompany his body for transport to Toronto, as per reports.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire Ontario Provincial Police family during this devastating time,” Brown added.
To pay tribute to Bali, the CN Tower will dim its lights for the first five minutes of every hour on Wednesday.
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique stated that an 18-year-old fleeing from police was driving the vehicle that hit and killed Bali on Tuesday afternoon. Officers were trying to safely apprehend the suspect after he escaped from a hospital where he was being evaluated under the Mental Health Act.
Justin Veronneau, 18, has been charged with first-degree murder, assaulting police officers, resisting arrest, dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, dangerous operation of a vehicle and two counts of flight from police.
Following his death, tributes poured in for Bali from various sources including the union representing uniformed and civilian members of the OPP along with OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique and Ontario Premier Doug Ford sharing condolences on social media.
Bali’s death comes just over a month after another OPP officer, Sgt. Brandon Malcolm, died in a highway crash involving a motorcycle on Highway 401 in Cobourg which is east of Toronto.
– With files from The Canadian Press
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