HEARST — An Ontario Provincial Police officer has died in the line of duty in Hearst.
In a statement issued this afternoon, OPP confirmed that Provincial Const. Tarun Bali was killed in the line of duty while taking part in an investigation in the area of Kendall Concession Road 7 and Concession Road 6.
Police said members of the James Bay OPP were conducting an investigation at approximately 12:30 p.m. when an officer was seriously injured. Bali was later pronounced dead.
One person is currently in custody.
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique shared a statement on Facebook.
“It is with deep sorrow that I confirm that OPP Provincial Const. Tarun Bali was killed in the line of duty this afternoon in Hearst,” Carrique said.
“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.”
Police identified Bali as a member of the Dufferin OPP Detachment with two-and-a-half years of service. At the time of his death, he was deployed with the James Bay Detachment.
Police did not release any information about the cause of death. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
The investigation is being led by the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.
In its release, the OPP said it is supporting Bali’s family and recognized the impact of the loss on his loved ones, colleagues and the broader policing community.
TimminsToday has reached out to the OPP for additional information.
Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.
