18-year-old man faces murder charge following death of OPP constable

Police have confirmed additional charges against an 18-year old man following the death of an OPP officer on Tuesday.

Const. Tarun Bali died after he was struck by a vehicle during an attempted apprehension in Hearst, Ont., approximately 600 kilometres northwest of Sudbury, around 12:30 p.m.

Hearst resident Justin Veronneau is facing charges of first-degree murder, dangerous driving, flight from police, assault of a peace officer and resisting arrest.

OPP say the accused had fled from a hospital where he was being held under the Mental Health Act prior to the incident.

He remains in custody.

The investigation is ongoing under the direction of the Criminal Investigations Branch and in conjunction with the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Scott Mills, a spokesperson for the OPP Association, said the policing community is “devastated” and the situation represents “the absolute worst nightmare.”

He said the union is in direct contact with Bali’s family and there are mental health supports available for those who need it.

2:27 18-year-old man faces murder charge after OPP officer killed near Hearst, Ont.

“We really encourage all of our members to support each other, reach out to each other. It’s okay not to be okay,” he said.

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While he didn’t know Bali personally, Mills said he was a well-respected member of the OPP community, adding a friend described him as “the perfect gentleman.”

“He was very well-liked by his colleagues,” Mills said.

The loss of Bali has reverberated throughout the province.

Bali had been with the OPP for two-and-a-half years and was assigned to central Ontario’s Dufferin detachment, but was on a deployment with the James Bay detachment.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown called Bali a “son of Brampton” in a post on social media.

“His bravery is a powerful reminder of the risks our frontline officers face every single day,” he said. “Our through as with his family, friends and the entire Ontario Provincial Police family during this devastating time.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was deeply saddened by the news and offered condolences on behalf of the people of the province.

Canada’s public safety minister also expressed his sadness in a social media post.

Bali’s death comes a little more than one month after another OPP officer, Sgt. Brandon Malcolm, was killed in a highway crash involving a motorcycle on Highway 401 in Cobourg, east of Toronto.

Mills told Global News there are dangers associated with policing, but that officers are involved in many situations everyday that end peacefully.

“But we do get our share of injuries and unfortunately line of duty deaths do occur,” he said.

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique said he met with Bali’s family and saw a picture of him at age two saluting another photo of a police officer. He described the constable as a dedicated officer and team player.

Carrique said officers risk their lives every day and it’s tough on members when they lose one of their own.

“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 the OPP said it was a reminder of the dangers that police face on the job.

“On behalf of the OPP Association, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Provincial Constable Bali’s family, friends and colleagues,” said president David Sabatini in a statement.

“We will steadfastly support PC Bali’s family and co-workers.”

-With files from The Canadian Press