Ontario Provincial Police officer killed in line of duty near Hearst

Ontario Provincial Police officer killed in line of duty near Hearst

Person in custody after death of Const. Tarun Bali from OPP's James Bay detachment

An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer has died after he was seriously injured Tuesday while conducting an investigation near Hearst, about 600 kilometres northwest of Sudbury.

The officer has been identified as Const. Tarun Bali, who was assigned to the Dufferin detachment and had 2½ years of service.

One person was taken into custody, according to an OPP news release.

It said officers from the James Bay detachment were investigating in the Kendall Concession Road 7 and Concession Road 6 area near Hearst at around 12:30 p.m. ET.

Police haven't provided details regarding the nature of the investigation or how the officer was injured.

The OPP criminal investigation branch is into Bali's death, in conjunction with the Office of the chief coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Officer 'well liked' and 'respected'

“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,” OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique said in a statement posted to social media.

“His courage and commitment to serving others will never be forgotten. As we grieve this immeasurable loss, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, colleagues and the policing community.”

In an interview with CBC News, OPP Association president David Sabatini said other members of the Dufferin detachment are grieving.

"Const. Bali was a very well liked and respected member of [the Dufferin] detachment and of the OPP organization," he said.

"This is every police and family member's worst nightmare. It's another reminder of the dangers that our members face every day as they serve to protect the citizens of Ontario."

Jonathan Migneault is a CBC reporter/editor based in Sudbury. He is always looking for good stories about northeastern Ontario. Send story ideas to jonathan.migneault@cbc.ca.