An 18-year-old is facing a first-degree murder charge after an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer was killed in the line of duty on Tuesday near the northern community of Hearst, Ont., about 520 kilometres east of Thunder Bay.
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique alleges the teen was behind the wheel of a vehicle that struck and killed OPP Const. Tarun Bali on Tuesday afternoon as officers sought to capture the suspect safely after he had escaped from a hospital, where he was being assessed under the Mental Health Act.
Carrique says an 18-year-old man has been arrested on charges of first-degree murder, dangerous driving and flight from police.
The suspect, Justin Veronneau, made a court appearance on Wednesday in Cochrane. He has been remanded into custody, and his next court appearance is via video on June 24.
A police escort of vehicles carrying the body of OPP Const. Tarun Bali arrived at the coroner’s office in North York at around 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
Bali was assigned to the Dufferin detachment but was deployed with the James Bay Detachment. He had two and a half years of service at the time of his death.
“His courage and commitment to serving others will never be forgotten,” Carrique wrote in a social media post.
“As we grieve this immeasurable loss, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, colleagues and the policing community.”
Perfect role model
Carrique said he’s 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.”
Family and friends of Const. Bali expressed their sorrow on Wednesday while sharing memories of a man who lost his life while serving others.
“The whole neighbourhood is in shock because no one is expecting this. It’s very sad,” a neighbour tells OMNI News. “I feel for the family, for the wife, for the mother.”
Others say they hope Bali is not remembered for the way he died but the way he lived his life.
“It’s a big shock, not only for the family, but the whole community, because he was an example for so many kids that, if you want to be something, be like Tarun. If you want to serve the community, a perfect role model that any community can ask for.”
Bali leaves behind his parents, brother, sister and wife, who was preparing to celebrate their second wedding anniversary later this month.
The officer had ties to the GTA, having been raised in Brampton. Mayor Patrick Brown, who knew Bali’s father, called him “a special man.”
“Words seem so meaningless when you try to express the severity of this loss,” said Brown.
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.
OPP personnel said an investigation into the death is ongoing, which involves the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, the Office of the Chief Coroner, and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.
The OPP Association released a statement, saying their thoughts are with Bali’s family, friends, and colleagues “during this incredibly difficult time.”
“This is every police and family member’s worst nightmare. This is another reminder of the dangers that our Members face each and every day as they serve and protect the citizens of Ontario,” said President David Sabatini in the statement.
Premier Doug Ford offered his condolences in a post on social media.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of OPP Provincial Constable Tarun Bali, who was killed in the line of duty today while serving in Hearst,” read Ford’s post on X. “On behalf of the people of Ontario, I extend my sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and OPP colleagues. We honour his courage, service and sacrifice.”
Several police chiefs in the GTA, including Toronto, Peel Region and York Region, also expressed their sympathy to the family, friends, and colleagues of Bali.
With files from The Canadian Press and Loveen Gill of OMNI News
It is with deep sorrow that I confirm that #OPP Provincial Constable Tarun Bali was killed in the line of duty this afternoon in Hearst. His courage and commitment to serving others will never be forgotten. As we grieve this immeasurable loss, I extend our heartfelt condolences… pic.twitter.com/1cp1amM99f
— Thomas Carrique (@OPPCommissioner) June 9, 2026