The shooting death of an Ontario police officer on Tuesday followingnoon left no one indifferent as messages of sympathy poured in from everywhere on Wednesday.
• Read also: Ontario: a policeman killed, two suspects arrested
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Constable Grzegorz Pierzchala was regarding to respond to a vehicle in the ditch near Hagersville in southern Ontario when he was shot, police said. PPO in a press release.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was horrified by the tragedy. In a tweet posted on Twitter, he said Ontario mourns the loss and thanked the officers who apprehended the suspects without incident.
For his part, the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau called the situation “heartbreaking news” on his Twitter account. He added that the thoughts of all Canadians are with the police officer’s family, friends and colleagues.
Police associations across Canada have also offered their condolences and support to their Ontario colleagues who will be going through difficult times.
The police force specified that the deceased officer was 28 years old and that he had worked for the provincial police for a little over a year. The patroller was also carrying out his first solo patrol on Tuesday when he died. He was alone when he arrived at the scene of the accident.
“It was a pleasure to work with him,” said Sergeant Ed Sanchuk, spokesman for the OPP, saying he was devastated by the death of his colleague.
As for the two suspects, a 25-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, the latter are still under arrest. Charges might also be brought once morest them on Wednesday.
The police force had issued an alert to ask residents of the area to stay locked inside due to a threat. The alert was eventually canceled following the arrest of the suspects.
The Ontario Provincial Police has also reminded its members that psychological support is available for those who feel the need.
Grzegorz Pierzchala is the fourth police officer to be shot since September in Ontario. An officer lost his life on September 12 in Mississauga. Two others also died by gunshot on October 11 in Innisfil, an hour from Toronto.
