An 18-year-old Hearst resident has been charged with first-degree murder following the death of Ontario Provincial Police officer Provincial Constable Tarun Bali, who was killed in the line of duty on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
According to the Ontario Provincial Police, members of the James Bay OPP were attempting to stop a vehicle as part of an ongoing investigation at approximately 12:30 p.m. when an officer was struck by the vehicle during an attempted apprehension.
The officer, identified as Provincial Constable Tarun Bali, sustained serious injuries and was later pronounced deceased.
Following the incident, OPP officers, assisted by a member of the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service, took a suspect into custody.
Police have charged Justin Veronneau, 18, of Hearst, 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, 2026.
The investigation remains ongoing under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.
Police are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Crime Stoppers.
A video statement from OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique has been released as the organization continues to mourn the loss of one of its members.
Provincial Constable Bali was assigned to the Dufferin OPP Detachment and had served with the OPP for approximately two and a half years. At the time of his death, the 29-year-old officer was on deployment with the James Bay Detachment.
The OPP said it is supporting Bali’s family during this difficult time and extended condolences to his loved ones, colleagues, and members of the policing community affected by the tragedy. The service has also requested that the family’s privacy be respected.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
