OPP Const. Tarun Bali To Be Honoured In Toronto Procession After Line-Of-Duty Death
A public procession will be held Friday morning in the Greater Toronto Area for Ontario Provincial Police Const. Tarun Bali, who was killed in the line of duty in northern Ontario earlier this week.
First responders and members of the public are expected to gather on highway overpasses around 10 a.m. as Bali is escorted from the Forensic Sciences and Coroner’s Complex in North York to a funeral home in Thornhill.
OPP Procession Route Through Toronto And York Region
The procession is scheduled to leave North York around 10 a.m. It will travel westbound on Highway 401 from Keele Street to northbound Highway 400, then continue eastbound on Highway 407 before exiting at Yonge Street.
Bali’s death has drawn tributes across Ontario, including from communities in the GTA, where he had deep personal ties. He was raised in Brampton before beginning his policing career.
Const. Tarun Bali Killed During Northern Ontario Police Operation
Bali died Tuesday afternoon as officers were trying to safely apprehend an 18-year-old suspect who had escaped from a hospital. The suspect had been at the hospital for assessment under the Mental Health Act.
Investigators allege Bali was struck and killed during the incident.
Justin Veronneau, 18, of Hearst, has been charged with first-degree murder, dangerous driving and flight from police.
Bali was assigned to the OPP’s Dufferin detachment but was deployed with the James Bay Detachment at the time of his death. He had served with the OPP for two and a half years.
Brampton-Raised Officer Remembered By Family And Community
Bali leaves behind his parents, brother, sister and wife. His wife was preparing to celebrate their second wedding anniversary later this month.
Members of the public who wish to share condolences in memory of Const. Bali are being directed to the OPP’s website. Books of condolences are also available in the lobbies of OPP detachments in Orangeville and Shelburne.
The procession comes one day after a Toronto police officer was shot and killed while conducting a raid in North York, adding to a difficult week for policing communities across Ontario.
Further details about memorial arrangements and public tributes are expected to be shared by police and family representatives as plans are finalized.
