Young OPP Officer Tarun Bali Dies in Tragic Incident

An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) constable who lost his life while serving near Hearst is being honored as a “selfless” and “courageous” officer, leaving many communities across the province mourning his passing.

“He was a young man who put himself in harm’s way to keep the public safe,” said Patrick Brown, the mayor of Brampton, where Const. Tarun Bali grew up and still has family members living.

Brown mentioned that Bali, 29, had volunteered for a backfill assignment in northern Ontario to assist police services facing staffing shortages. On Tuesday, while he was involved in an investigation near Hearst, he suffered serious injuries and later died.

Justin Veronneau, 18, from Hearst has been charged with first-degree murder along with several related charges such as dangerous driving and resisting arrest, according to OPP on Wednesday.

Officers were trying to apprehend him after he escaped from a hospital where he was being evaluated under the Mental Health Act when Bali was struck by a vehicle, as stated by the OPP. The accused is set for a court appearance on June 24.

The force’s Criminal Investigation Branch is looking into the details surrounding Bali’s death alongside the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Flags at Half-Mast

Brown highlighted Bali’s strong connections to Brampton, sharing that his family described him as “‘courageous, selfless'” and someone who “‘just wanted to protect the public.'”

The mayor mentioned that he has talked with provincial officials including Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and Premier Doug Ford about ways to pay tribute to Bali. A memorial service is anticipated in the upcoming days.

Flags on federal buildings across Ontario, except for Ottawa’s Peace Tower, will be flown at half-mast from Wednesday until sunset Monday.

Brown confirmed that Brampton has lowered its flags in memory of Bali.

“The entire policing community across the country is grieving today at this senseless loss. There are no words.”

In Hearst, Mayor Roger Sigouin expressed how stunned the town feels about what happened, calling it shocking for their small community of around 5,000 residents.

<p“It's not something you want to hear; it's something you don’t want to go through," Sigouin stated. "It's a big shock for everyone."

He pointed out that their town isn’t accustomed to police deaths while on duty and plans to check on community members in the coming days.

Support Teams Available for Officers

Bali’s colleagues remembered him as “a perfect gentleman” who was well respected within both the police force and community according to Scott Mills, a spokesperson for the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA).

“He was endearing to anyone that he met.”Flags fly at half-mast at the Ontario Provincial Police detachment in Hearst on Tuesday in honour of Bali. (Jimmy Chabot/Radio-Canada)

Mills noted that there’s been an overwhelming response from law enforcement agencies across Canada and internationally offering support during this tough time.

“Losing a police officer killed in action is every police member’s worst nightmare along with any family member connected to one.”

“It’s something you fear; it lingers at your mind. When it happens though; it just brings unbelievable sadness.”

Mills confirmed that they’re keeping contact with Bali’s family while providing support teams including round-the-clock mental health resources available for officers affected by this tragic loss.

The City of Kitchener also shared condolences since Bali had connections there too.

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic described him as “a valued member” of Kitchener’s bylaw enforcement team from 2021 until 2023 before joining OPP.
Tarun’s passing brings sadness; however he’ll be fondly remembered by his Kitchener colleagues because of his strong work ethic combined with positive energy along with infectious smile plus warm personality.”
Vrbanovic added all city buildings will have flags lowered until after Bali’s memorial service.

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