An 18-year-old Hearst resident has been charged with first-degree murder following the death of Ontario Provincial Police Constable Tarun Bali, who was fatally injured during an investigation near Hearst on Tuesday.
The accused, Justin Veronneau, faces several additional charges, including assaulting a police officer, two counts of fleeing from police, resisting arrest, dangerous driving, and dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death. He is scheduled to appear in court on June 24.
Police say officers were attempting to apprehend Veronneau after he allegedly left a hospital where he had been undergoing assessment under the Mental Health Act. During the operation, a vehicle struck Const. Bali, causing critical injuries. He later died in hospital. The suspect was subsequently arrested by OPP officers with assistance from the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service.
Const. Bali had served with the OPP for approximately two and a half years and was assigned to the Dufferin detachment, although he had recently been assisting operations in the James Bay region. Before joining the OPP in 2023, he worked with Kitchener’s bylaw enforcement team.
Colleagues and community leaders have paid tribute to Bali, remembering him for his dedication, professionalism, and positive impact on those around him. Flags at City of Kitchener facilities have been lowered in his honour, while funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
The OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, working alongside the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.