An 18-year-old mental health patient, Justin Veronneau, has been charged with first degree murder after he allegedly killed 29-year-old Ontario Provincial Police Constable Tarun Bali during a routine traffic stop. 

Reports noted that the incident occurred in the north of Toronto on Tuesday afternoon while Mr Bali and members of his James Bay detachment were attempting to stop a vehicle driven by Mr Veronneau when he was struck.

The accident reportedly left Mr Bali, who was originally from India, in critical condition from severe injuries and was later pronounced dead at the scene.

The Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police, Thomas Carrique, later confirmed the death of the officer, stating that it was an immeasurable loss to the department. 

“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. 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,” Mr Carrique said. 

News agency CP24 reported that Mr Veronneau recently escaped the hospital where he was being assessed under the authority of the Mental Health Act before he ended up killing Mr Bali. 

The suspect was subsequently taken into custody and was charged with murder as well as assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest, dangerous driving, dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and two counts of flight from police. 

The Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, in his response to the incident, sent condolences to the family of the deceased. 

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of OPP Provincial Constable Tarun Bali, who was killed in the line of duty today while serving in Hearst.

“On behalf of the people of Ontario, I extend my sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and OPP colleagues. We honour his courage, service and sacrifice,” Mr Ford noted.  

Canada’s leading opposition leader Pierre Poilievre also reacted to the incident, stating that he was “Saddened to hear of the death of OPP Constable Tarun Bali, who lost his life in the line of duty today.”

He added, “It’s easy to forget that every day, thousands of officers across our country put on their uniform and put their lives on the line to protect our communities. We mourn with the family, loved ones, and colleagues of Const. Bali, and the entire policing community.”