Charges of first-degree murder laid in death of Constable Tarun Bali

The OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, continues to investigate

An 18-year-old Hearst man is facing a first-degree murder charge following the death of Ontario Provincial Police Constable Tarun Bali, who was killed in the line of duty Tuesday afternoon.

According to the OPP, officers with the James Bay Detachment were attempting to stop a vehicle as part of an ongoing investigation when Bali was struck by a vehicle. The 29-year-old officer later died from his injuries.

During a media briefing Wednesday, OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique described the circumstances leading up to the incident.

Police say Justin Veronneau, 18, of Hearst has been charged with first-degree murder, assaulting a police officer, two counts of flight from police, resisting arrest, dangerous operation causing death and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Hearst on June 24.

The death has resonated across the province, including in Northumberland County, where OPP officers and residents are still mourning the loss of Sergeant Brandon Malcolm, who died in the line of duty in May.

Carrique referenced Malcolm while speaking about the impact officer deaths have on policing communities.

Provincial Constable Bali had served with the OPP for two and a half years and was assigned to the Dufferin Detachment. At the time of his death, he was deployed with the James Bay Detachment.

The OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, continues to investigate. Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the OPP or Crime Stoppers.

Story by: Joseph Goden