A 28-year-old officer who joined the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) over a year ago was killed in a shooting near Hagersville, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon, and two suspects are now in custody
The shooting occurred at the intersection of Indian Line and Concession 14
OPP Const. Ed Sanchuck said Const. Grzegorz “Greg” Pierzchala attended the area for reports of a “vehicle in a ditch,” and when he arrived, he had an “interaction” with two occupants
In a late Tuesday evening update, OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique said the occupants of the vehicle opened fire, resulting in Pierzchala sustaining life-threatening gunshot wounds
“I have no reason to believe that the officer had any opportunity to fire his weapon,” Carrique said
Pierzchala was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead
A search for the two suspects, a 25-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, who fled the scene in a vehicle, subsequently commenced. OPP issued an alert advising residents in the area to shelter in place as they looked for the suspects
In the alert, police released two photos of the suspects but only identified one of them — Randall Mckenzie. They added that the suspects were believed to be armed
The alert was later cancelled following the arrest of the suspects. It is unclear where they were apprehended
“They were taken into custody in a very short period of time, and there was no immediate risk to any of the public (during) the time they were at large,” Carrique said
The male suspect was taken to the hospital with injuries considered to be not serious, Carrique said. When asked if the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has invoked its mandate, the commissioner said the agency had not done so. The SIU is called to investigate incidents involving police where there has been a serious injury, death or allegations of sexual assault
Carrique added that charges will be announced on Wednesday
The circumstances surrounding the shooting are unknown. “We’re in the early stages. It’s a fluid, ongoing investigation,” Sanchuk said
“There’s just a lot of details to go through, so we’re putting the pieces of the puzzle together
OPP are urging anyone with information to contact them at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously
‘GREG’ REMEMBERED
Tuesday began as a momentous day for Pierzchala, who was a former Queen’s Park special constable
“There’s a 10-month probation period that an officer has to go through — a very extensive evaluation of their performance. And today, Greg had received notice that he has successfully completed that probationary period,” Carrique said
With the end of his probation period, Pierzchala was able to go on solo patrol for the first time on Tuesday. Carrique confirmed the 28-year-old was on his own when he responded to the call
“This is a man who, at five years old, decided he wanted to be a police officer. And he had a brief opportunity to live out his dream and to do his best to keep our community safe,” Carrique said. “And unfortunately, he paid the ultimate sacrifice doing so today”
The commissioner said he spoke to Pierzchala’s colleagues, who described him as an “exemplary” and “tremendous” officer
Meanwhile, Sanchuk echoed Carrique’s sentiments, saying Pierzchala’s fellow officers remembered him as a “great guy” who was a pleasure to work with
“I’m truly at a loss for words tonight. We lost a family member, a police officer, and you know what a good community member,” Sanchuk said
“(He) was a great person to be around, always bubbly and a real, great cop. It’s a substantial loss to everybody”
Sanchuk said police have put in place some mental health teams to support officers and family members
The OPP Association (OPPA), which represents all civilian and non-commissioned uniform of the force, said in a statement that Pierzchala’s “service and sacrifice will never be forgotten”
“He will always be remembered as Hero in Life, Not Death. Our members go to work every day to serve and protect the citizens of Ontario. They do a dangerous job 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year throughout the province of Ontario. This situation demonstrates that there is no such thing as a routine call in policing,” said OPPA President John Cerasuolo
The mayor of Haldimand County, where the shooting took place, released a statement offering her condolences
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of one of our officers, who died today in the line of duty. Every day, our County’s first responders risk their lives for the safety of our community, and a tragedy like today’s is one we hope never comes,” Mayor Shelley Bentley said
“Our hearts go out to the officer’s family, his OPP colleagues, and all first responders impacted by this horrific event
Bentley added: “I know there’s nothing I can say to lessen this tragic loss, but to all who are grieving, know that the community grieves with you”
Premier Doug Ford tweeted that he was horrified by the incident
“Our first responders are true heroes,” Ford said. “We share in the pain felt by family, friends and the entire police community as Ontario mourns this loss”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: “Heartbreaking news from Haldimand County, where Ontario Provincial Police Constable Grzegorz Pierzchala has been killed in the line of duty. To his family, friends, and colleagues — the thoughts of all Canadians are with you”
Bryann Aguilar, CP24 Web Content Writer
