A 28-year-old officer who joined the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) more than a year ago was killed in a shooting near Hagersville, Ontario. Tuesday afternoon, and two suspects are now in custody.
The shooting occurred at the intersection of Indian Line and Concession 14.
Const. OPP Ed Sanchuck said Const. Grzegorz “Greg” Pierzchala went to the area on reports of a “vehicle in a ditch,” and when he arrived, he had an “interaction” with two occupants.
Pierzchala was shot as a result and suffered life-threatening injuries. He was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The OPP cruiser blocks the highway as officers investigate a shooting near Hagersville, Ontario.
Subsequently, the search began for the two suspects, a man and a woman, who fled the scene in a vehicle. OPP issued an alert advising area residents to shelter in place while they searched for the suspects.
In the alert, police released two photos of the suspects but only identified one of them: 25-year-old Randall Mckenzie. They added that the suspects were believed to be armed.
Randall Mckenzie is described as a 25-year-old Native American man with black hair who drives a black 2021 Chevrolet pickup. (OPP)
The alert was later canceled after the suspects were arrested. It is not clear where they were detained.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting are unknown. “We are in the early stages. It is a fluid and ongoing investigation,” Sanchuk said.
“There are a lot of details to go through, so we’re putting the pieces of the puzzle together.
OPP urges anyone with information to contact them at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
‘Greg’ remembered
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique tweeted that Pierzchala died “while valiantly performing the line of duty.”
“Our hearts go out to his loved ones and all members of the OPP at this tragic time,” Carrique tweeted.
Meanwhile, Sanchuk said he spoke to Pierzchala’s colleagues and they remembered him as “one of the warmest-hearted cops” and a “great guy” who was a pleasure to work with.
“I’m never at a loss for words and I’m really at a loss for words tonight. We lost a family member, a police officer, and you know what a good member of the community,” Sanchuk said.
“(He) was a great person to be with, always bubbly and a real great cop. It’s a substantial loss for everyone.”
Grzegorz Pierzchala, seen in this undated photo, was killed in a shootout near Hagersville, Ontario. on December 27, 2022. (Supplied)
Sanchuk said that the police have set up some mental health teams to support officers and family members.
The OPP Association, which represents all civilian uniforms and NCOs in the force, said in a statement that Pierzchala’s “service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
“He will always be remembered as a Hero in life, not in death. Our members go to work every day to serve and protect the citizens of Ontario. They do dangerous work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year throughout the year. the province of Ontario. This situation shows that there is no such thing as a routine police call,” the OPPA said.
The mayor of Haldimand County, where the shooting occurred, issued 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, first responders in our county put their lives on the line for the safety of our community, and a tragedy like today’s is one we look forward to never again.” is coming,” said Mayor Shelley Bentley.
“Our hearts go out to the officer’s family, his OPP colleagues, and all first responders affected by this horrific event.
Bentley added: “I know there is nothing I can say to ease this tragic loss, but to all of you who are grieving, know that the community is grieving with you.”
Prime Minister Doug Ford tweeted he was horrified by the incident.
“Our first responders are true heroes,” Ford said. “We share the grief felt by family, friends and the entire law enforcement community as Ontario mourns this loss.”
prime minister trudeau tweeted: “Heartbreaking news from Haldimand County, where Ontario Provincial Police Officer Grzegorz Pierzchala was killed in the line of duty. To his family, friends and colleagues: the thoughts of all Canadians are with you.”