OPP Provincial Constable Tarun Bali lost his life while on duty Tuesday afternoon in Hearst. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout – Thomas Carrique (Mandatory Credit)
Ontario Provincial Police have reported that the suspect charged with the constable’s death had escaped from a hospital, where he was being evaluated under the Mental Health Act.
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique claimed the 18-year-old who fled was driving a vehicle that hit and killed OPP Const. Tarun Bali as officers tried to apprehend him safely.
The incident occurred when police were attempting to stop the vehicle close to Hearst, situated about 520 kilometres east of Thunder Bay.
Justin Veronneau, a resident of Hearst, faces charges including first-degree murder, assaulting police, resisting arrest, dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, dangerous operation of a vehicle, and two counts of fleeing from police.
According to the Criminal Code, if an accused knows or is willfully blind to the fact that they are killing a police officer while carrying out their duties, it is automatically considered first-degree murder.
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Hearst Mayor Roger Sigouin noted this is the first time an officer has died in the line of duty in their community and said residents are struggling with the news.
“People are quite frustrated, disappointed, in shock; that’s what I’m seeing in the community right now,” he stated.
At the same time, residents are showing support for law enforcement. Some even offered to cover meals for two officers who went out for breakfast Wednesday morning.
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Ontario Provincial Police work a scene where an officer died while on duty in Hearst, Ont., Tuesday, June 9, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jessica Tardif
Bali was 29 years old and had served with the OPP for 2½ years at central Ontario’s Dufferin detachment before volunteering for deployment with James Bay detachment.
Carrique mentioned meeting with Bali’s family and saw a picture from when he was two years old saluting another photo of a police officer. He described him as a committed officer and team player.
The public safety minister of Canada was among various officials expressing condolences shortly after confirming Bali’s death.
In a social media post, Gary Anandasangaree expressed sadness over hearing about the officer’s passing.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown referred to Bali as “a son of Brampton” and remarked that learning about his death was “heartbreaking.”
Both Carrique and Ontario Premier Doug Ford shared their tributes online as well.
Bali’s tragic passing follows just over a month after another OPP officer, Sgt. Brandon Malcolm, died in a highway crash involving his motorcycle on Highway 401 in Cobourg near Toronto.
Carrique pointed out that officers put their lives at risk daily and it’s tough on everyone when one of their own is lost.
“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.”
The union representing uniformed and civilian members of OPP highlighted this event as an important reminder regarding policing dangers faced on duty.
“On behalf of the OPP Association, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Provincial Constable Bali’s family, friends and colleagues,” stated president David Sabatini in response to this tragedy.
“We will steadfastly support PC Bali’s family and co-workers.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first June 10 ,2026.
-with files from Aaron Sousa
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