Police are hunting for suspects after reports say an OPP officer was shot and killed after responding to a call in Haldimand County on Tuesday afternoon.
In a video posted to social media, Const. Ed Sanchuk said the officer responded 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.”
The Turtle Island News based in Six Nations of the Grand River is reporting the officer has died.
Sanchuk would not confirm that when asked by Postmedia.
Sources said police had taken the female suspect into custody.
According to sources, the officer had one year on the job and was in his 20s. One witness, who described up to five shots fired, said the driver had tattoos on his upper body, said sources.
The OPP issued an emergency alert, which has since been removed from its website, at about 5:45 pm warning residents to shelter in place while they search for the suspects believed to be armed.
One of the suspects has been identified as Randall McKenzie, 25, who is described as Indigenous, about six-foot-one and 155 pounds, with hazel eyes. He was driving a black 2021 Chevrolet pickup truck with an Ontario license plate.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police at 1-888-310-1122.