Brampton To Lower Flags Today To Honour OPP Const. Tarun Bali After Line-Of-Duty Death
Brampton will lower flags to half-mast to honour Ontario Provincial Police Const. Tarun Bali, a 29-year-old officer raised in the city who was killed in the line of duty during an investigation in northern Ontario, Mayor Patrick Brown said in a TV interview.
Brown described Bali as someone who had “a good heart” and said the city is mourning the loss of an officer who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the public.
Bali, a member of the OPP’s Dufferin Detachment with two and a half years of service, was deployed with the James Bay Detachment when he was killed Tuesday in the Hearst area. His death has prompted tributes from political leaders, police officials and community members across Ontario, with Brampton marking the loss of an officer described by Mayor Patrick Brown as “a son of Brampton.”
18-Year-Old Charged With First-Degree Murder
The incident happened at about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday on Kendall Concession Road 7 near Concession Road 6 in the Hearst area.
Police said officers were conducting an investigation when Bali was hit by a vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique told reporters Tuesday evening an 18-year-old man had been arrested and charged with first-degree murder, dangerous driving and flight from police.
“Charges will be filed before the courts as the investigation continues, but those are the charges on which the accused has been arrested,” Carrique said.
The accused remains in custody. OPP did not release his name, citing the ongoing investigation.
Mayor Brown said Bali’s death has deeply affected the Brampton community.
“This is heartbreaking news.
Constable Tarun Bali, a son of Brampton, made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the public. His bravery is a powerful reminder of the risks our frontline officers face every single day.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire Ontario Provincial Police family during this devastating time.
We honour his service and sacrifice, Constable Bali. Rest in peace,” he tweeted yesterday.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also offered condolences to Bali’s family and colleagues.
“On behalf of the people of Ontario, I extend my sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and OPP colleagues,” Ford posted on social media.
MP Maninder Sidhu called the news out of Dufferin County “heartbreaking,” saying Bali “gave his life in service to his community.” MP Shafqat Ali said he was “deeply saddened” by the officer’s death in Hearst.
Peel Police Chief Offers Condolences
Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah also extended condolences on behalf of the force.
“On behalf of the Peel Regional Police family, I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ontario Provincial Police Constable Tarun Bali.
Our thoughts are with all members of the Ontario Provincial Police during this incredibly difficult time. We honour Constable Bali’s sacrifice, and commitment to protecting those he served. #HeroesInLife”
The OPP Criminal Investigation Branch is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.
As the case moves through the courts, Brampton’s flag lowering will serve as a public tribute to Bali’s service, sacrifice and connection to the city.
