Man charged in death of constable in northern Ontario had escaped from hospital: OPP

Ontario Provincial Police say the suspect charged in the death of a constable in northern Ontario had escaped from a hospital, where he was being assessed under the Mental Health Act. 

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique alleged the fleeing 18-year-old 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.

Police said it happened as officers were trying to stop the vehicle near the town of Hearst, about 520 kilometres east of Thunder Bay.

Justin Veronneau, who is from Hearst, has been charged with first-degree murder, assaulting police, resisting arrest, dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, dangerous operation of a vehicle and two counts of flight from police.

Under the Criminal Code, the murder of a police officer carrying out their duties is automatically first degree if the accused knew or was wilfully blind to that fact.

Hearst Mayor Roger Sigouin said it’s the first time an officer has died in the line of duty in Hearst and the community is reeling. 

“People are quite frustrated, disappointed, in shock, that’s what I’m seeing in the community right now,” he said. 

At the same time, people are showing support for the force, he said, noting some offered to pay for the meals of two officers who went out for breakfast Wednesday morning.

Bali, 29, had been with the OPP for 2 1/2 years and was assigned to central Ontario’s Dufferin detachment, but had volunteered for a deployment with the James Bay detachment. 

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.

Canada’s public safety minister was among several officials offering condolences in the hours after Bali’s death was confirmed. 

In a social media post, Gary Anandasangaree said he was saddened to hear of the officer’s death.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown called Bali, who was raised in the city, “a son of Brampton” and said news of his death was “heartbreaking.”

Carrique and Ontario Premier Doug Ford also shared tributes on social media.

Bali’s death comes a little more than a 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.

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.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 10, 2026.

-with files from Aaron Sousa