Fallen Officer Tragedy
OPP Const. Tarun Bali Fatally Struck Near Hearst; Driver Faces Murder Charges
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Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said Bali will be remembered by colleagues for “strong work ethic, positive attitude, infectious smile, and warm and approachable personality,” adding that “his kindness and dedication will not be forgotten.”
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OPP Association strategic communications coordinator Scott Mills said Bali’s deployment to the James Bay detachment was part of how officers help address staffing gaps in the north, describing it as “extra work” and noting they “help with staffing shortages and things like that up in the north.”
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Following the death, OPPA President David Sabatini called it “another reminder of the dangers that our members face each and every day as they serve and protect the citizens of Ontario.” The Canadian Police Association also issued condolences through spokesperson Michael Gendron, saying they “extend our deepest sympathies” to Bali’s family and colleagues.
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Police said anyone with information should contact the OPP tip line at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously—details not included in the summary.
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CTV reported a memorial procession in Toronto for the fallen OPP officer, indicating additional public commemoration beyond Kitchener building flag-lowering.
Ontario Provincial Police Const. Tarun Bali, 29, was struck and killed by a vehicle near Hearst, Ontario, shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, while officers tried to stop a fleeing suspect Global News. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Bali had served about two and a half years with the OPP, including a voluntary deployment to the remote James Bay detachment to help fill staffing gaps in the north CTV News.
Justin Veronneau, 18, was charged with first-degree murder along with five other counts, including dangerous operation causing death and assaulting a peace officer Global News. Veronneau had escaped from a hospital where he was being held for a mental health assessment before officers located his vehicle on Kendall Concession Road 7, near Concession Road 6. He is being held in custody ahead of a June 24 court appearance.
A Mental Health Escape That Turned Deadly
Before the crash, Veronneau had been admitted to a local hospital for a mandatory mental health assessment under Ontario's Mental Health Act — a legal hold that requires a person to stay for evaluation CTV News. He fled the facility and got into a vehicle. OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique confirmed officers were specifically trying to "capture the suspect safely" when the tragedy occurred.
Under Canada's Criminal Code, killing a police officer while they are on duty is automatically classified as first-degree murder, even without proof of planning beforehand Global News. That legal standard applies here because Veronneau knew Bali was an officer. The OPP Criminal Investigation Branch is leading the probe, with parallel support from the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.
Brampton Native Who Chose Northern Duty
Bali grew up in Brampton and joined the OPP roughly two and a half years ago, first assigned to the Dufferin Detachment in Orangeville CTV News. He then volunteered to go north. OPP Association coordinator Scott Mills said that kind of move is "extra work" — officers stepping up to help with "staffing shortages and things like that up in the north." Hearst sits about 950 kilometres north of Brampton.
Before joining the OPP, Bali worked as a bylaw officer for the City of Kitchener from 2021 to 2023 CTV News. Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic remembered him for his "strong work ethic, positive attitude, infectious smile, and warm and approachable personality," adding that "his kindness and dedication will not be forgotten." City buildings in Kitchener lowered their flags until his memorial service.
Memorial Procession Stretches From Hearst to Toronto
On Wednesday, June 10, Bali's remains were flown south to Simcoe Airport and then carried along Highway 400 in a memorial procession to the Office of the Chief Coroner in Toronto CTV News. The journey took roughly 10 hours. Crowds lined the route to pay their respects. A separate memorial procession was also held in Toronto Orillia Matters.
OPP Commissioner Carrique said Bali's "courage and commitment to serving others will never be forgotten." Premier Doug Ford also offered condolences. OPPA President David Sabatini called the incident "another reminder of the dangers that our members face each and every day." The Canadian Police Association added that they "extend our deepest sympathies" to Bali's family and colleagues Orillia Matters.
Pressure Mounts Over Hospital Security and Northern Staffing
Bali's death is the second OPP fatality in roughly one month, following the death of Sgt. Brandon Malcolm in a May 2026 highway crash. It has sparked calls to review how hospitals secure patients held under the Mental Health Act. Questions focus on how Veronneau was able to leave the facility and access a vehicle while under a mandatory hold.
The incident may also complicate efforts to recruit southern officers for northern postings. The James Bay region, already remote and under-staffed, is now the site of a high-profile officer killing. Anyone with information can contact the OPP tip line at 1-888-310-1122 or reach Crime Stoppers anonymously. Funeral arrangements for Bali have not yet been announced Global News.
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