Charges have been laid in connection with the death of an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer killed in the line of duty near Hearst.

OPP Const. Tarun Bali, 29, was assigned to the Dufferin Detachment, with two and a half years of service. At the time of his death, he was on deployment with the James Bay Detachment.

On June 9, members of the James Bay OPP were attempting to stop a vehicle as part of an ongoing investigation. During the attempted apprehension, the officer was struck by the vehicle. Bali was seriously injured and was later pronounced dead.

As a result of the investigation, Justin Veronneau, 18, of Hearst, was charged with first degree murder, assault, flight from police, resisting arrest, amongst other charges.

In honour of his life and sacrifice, Dufferin County’s flags have been lowered to half-staff.

On behalf of Dufferin County Council and staff and our entire community, we extend our sincerest condolences and thoughts to Constable Bali’s family, friends, loved ones and fellow police community members. We thank Constable Bali for his service to our community and others in Ontario.