Young OPP Officer Tarun Bali Loses Life in Duty

An Ontario Provincial Police officer who tragically lost his life while serving in northern Ontario on Tuesday is being remembered as a person with a “good heart” who genuinely wanted to assist others.

Tarun Bali, 29, hailing from Brampton, along with members of the James Bay detachment, was trying to stop a vehicle in Hearst, Ont., about 950 kilometres north of Toronto, around 12:30 p. m.

During an “attempted apprehension” of that vehicle, the OPP reported that Bali was hit and later died at the scene.

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique informed reporters that the suspect has been identified as Justin Veronneau, an 18-year-old resident of Hearst. He had escaped from a hospital where he was being evaluated under the Mental Health Act before police intervened.

Veronneau was arrested by the OPP and an officer from Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service. He faces charges including first-degree murder, assaulting an officer, two counts of fleeing from police, resisting arrest, dangerous operation of a vehicle and dangerous operation causing death.

“The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Hearst on Wednesday, June 24, 2026,” stated the OPP in a news release.

‘We’re going to feel this in Brampton’

OPP Provincial Constable Tarun Bali was killed in the line of duty Tuesday afternoon in Hearst. (The Canadian Press) OPP Provincial Constable Tarun Bali was killed in the line of duty Tuesday afternoon in Hearst. (The Canadian Press)

Bali’s body was transported by air to Simcoe airport and then driven to the Chief Coroner’s Office in Toronto for examination.

First responders lined up on bridges as the hearse traveled along Highway 400.

Upon arrival at the coroner’s office, officers stood along the street to salute as the hearse went by.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown spoke with CP24 on Wednesday regarding Bali’s death and described it as “heartbreaking.”

“He was so young. He had such a bright future ahead of him,” he remarked.

Brown mentioned that he had spoken with Bali’s father who shared that he and his wife would be traveling north to bring their son home.

“It’s just a stark reminder of the risks that police officers take every day. They run towards danger so that we can be safe; words just don’t do justice to this loss. We’re going to feel this in Brampton,” he said.

Bali is sadly the second OPP officer killed on duty recently; Sgt. Brandon Malcolm died earlier this year after a motorcycle crash on Highway 401 near Cobourg.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed his sorrow over Bali’s passing, stating he felt “deeply saddened” by this loss.

“On behalf of all Ontarians, I extend my sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and colleagues at OPP. We honor his courage, service and sacrifice.”

Canada’s public safety minister Gary Anandasangaree and representatives from the OPP Association (OPPA) also shared their condolences; OPPA noted how incidents like these are “every police officer’s worst nightmare.”

Scott Mills , strategic communications coordinator for OPPA , told CP24 Wednesday morning that Bali was a “rookie,” having only joined OPP two-and-a-half years ago.

He was assigned to central Ontario’s Dufferin detachment based out of Orangeville but had been deployed with James Bay detachment at time of his death.

“It’s kind of extra work for them , they help fill staffing shortages up north,” Mills explained. “So he went above and beyond serving people throughout Ontario when he sadly lost his life.”

Brown mentioned funeral arrangements are still being coordinated between Bali’s family , OPP , and Peel Regional Police. The city plans to lower its flags today out of respect for Bali.

The CN Tower will dim its lights for five minutes at each hour Wednesday night as tribute to fallen officer.

With files from Northern Ontario

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