Two suspects have been taken into custody after an OPP officer was shot and killed after responding to a call in Haldimand County on Tuesday afternoon.
A social media post from OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique identified the officer as Const. Grzegorz (Greg) Pierzchala.
“It is with an extremely heavy heart that I regretfully inform all Ontario Provincial Police members that Provincial Const. Grzegorz Pierzchala of the Haldimand County detachment West Region died following an on-duty shooting incident earlier today.
“Provincial Const. Pierzchala was responding to a motor vehicle collision in Hagersville and was shot.”
Pierzchala based at the Haldimand County OPP detachment in Cayuga, was 28 years old and had been an officer for just over a year.
“The OPP is assisting the member’s family and colleagues as they deal with this tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with them. The family is asking for privacy at this difficult time,” OPP said in a media release.
An OPP social media post from October, shows Pierzchala smiling while petting a horse at the Caledonia Fair.
Haldimand Mayor Shelley Bentley offered words of condolence on social media.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Constable Greg Pierzchala, who died today in the line of duty. On behalf of the County, I would like to express my deepest condolences and support. 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.”
In a video posted to social media, Const. Ed Sanchuk said the officer responded at about 2:40 pm to a report of a vehicle in a ditch at Indian Line and Concession 14 of Walpole, which is near Hagersville.
“Upon arrival the officer was shot and transported to hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries,” said Sanchuk. “A male and female were seen fleeing from the scene.”
One witness described up to five shots fired, said sources.
The OPP issued an emergency alert at about 5:45 pm warning residents to shelter in place while they searched for the suspects who were believed to be armed. The alert has since been cancelled.
Both of the suspects have been taken into custody. Police did not release the names in the latest update but one of the suspects had earlier been identified as 25-year-old Randall McKenzie. The other suspect was a woman.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police at 1-888-310-1122.
