OPP officer fatally shot in Ohsweken while on duty, 2 suspects in custody

A 28-year-old Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer was shot and killed while on duty in Ohsweken Tuesday afternoon, and two suspects were taken into custody.

Const. Ed Sanchuk told reporters Tuesday evening a Haldimand County OPP officer was in the area of Indian Line and Concession 14 Walpole when they came across a vehicle in a ditch. The scene of the shooting is just west of Ojibway Road, which is about five minutes west of Hagersville.

He said the officer, identified as Const. Grzegorz (Greg) Pierzchala, who only served with the OPP, was shot during that interaction. The circumstances leading up to the shooting weren’t immediately clear.

Sanchuk said the officer was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died.

An emergency alert was issued in Ohsweken and surrounding communities, saying two suspects were believed to be armed and that residents should shelter in place. However, that alert was later dropped after the two people were arrested.

In the alert, OPP officers identified the male suspect as 25-year-old Randall McKenzie. Officers also sought a 30-year-old female suspect. They were reported to be travelling in a 2021 black Chevrolet pickup truck. The circumstances surrounding their apprehension and where specifically they were found weren’t clear as of Tuesday evening.

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique flew to Haldimand County to meet and speak with Pierzchala’s family members as well as other officers.

“Our hearts are actually broken as a policing family to announce the on-duty death of Constable Greg Pierzchala, who was with us for just over a year,” he told reporters during a brief news conference in Hagersville Tuesday night

“They (Pierzchala’s family) are absolutely heartbroken as we all are.”

It is with an extremely heavy heart that I regretfully advise that #OPP Provincial Constable Grzegorz Pierzchala was killed today while courageously serving in the line of duty. Our hearts are with his loved ones and all OPP members at this tragic time. #HeroesInLife pic.twitter.com/Chg9RKiYTt

— Thomas Carrique (@OPPCommissioner) December 28, 2022

Carrique said he learned Pierzchala, who previously served as a special constable at Queen’s Park and as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, wanted to be a police officer for most of his life.

He said Pierzchala learned early on Tuesday that he had just passed a 10-month probation and would be allowed to patrol solo as a permanent member of the OPP.

Carrique didn’t release further information about the incident but said the shooting appeared to happen suddenly.

“As the officer approached the motor vehicle, the information we have is that he was open-fired upon, and he was shot and killed at that time, he said.

“I have no reason to believe the officer had any opportunity to fire his weapon.”

Carrique praised members of the Six Nations Police Service for their “instrumental” help in tracking the suspects.

He said further information on charges the suspects will be facing is expected to be released sometime on Wednesday.

Carrique and Sanchuk both alluded to Pierzchala’s community ties. A photo shared on the OPP’s west region Twitter account in October showed Pierzchala on patrol at the Caledonia Fair.

Before providing an update to reporters Tuesday evening, Sanchuk said he spoke with Pierzchala’s colleagues.

“Probably one of the biggest-hearted police officers you’re ever going to meet in your life,” he said.

“He was a great community-minded individual.”

RELATED: Violence against police officers a concerning trend in Canada

Chief Mark B. Hill with the Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council shared his condolences and called what happened a “senseless act of violence.”

“I also want to thank the Ontario Provincial Police, the Six Nations Police, and all other services who supported this operation for their swift apprehension of the suspects and for continuing to keep our communities safe,” he wrote.

Hill also encouraged anyone who needs support to call the Six Nations 24-7 mobile crisis line at 519-445-2204 or 1-866-445-2204 or the 24-7 Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1-855-242-3310.

Haldimand County Mayor Shelley Bentley issued a statement Tuesday evening expressing condolences to the officer’s family, fellow OPP officers and other emergency crews who responded to the shooting.

“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,” she wrote.

“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 post on Twitter, Premier Doug Ford echoed those sentiments.

“OPP Provincial Constable Grzegorz Pierzchala was killed while honouring his oath to protect his province. He represents the best of us,” he wrote.

“My prayers are with him, his family and his friends. It’s impossible to understand their grief right now. Ontario is thinking of you.”

#OPP officer shot after responding to a call for a vehicle in the ditch at Indian Line and Consession 14 of Walpole. #OPP continuing to investigate. Further details to follow. @HaldimandCounty #HaldimandOPP ^es pic.twitter.com/hgm6HyToMs

— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) December 27, 2022

#HaldimandOPP Constable Greg Pierzchala took a moment to "horse around" at the Caledonia Fair held on the first weekend of October. I think his smile says it all! (Greg's not the horse's). The fair was a huge success once again. ^mg pic.twitter.com/I8LribRnlg

— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) October 13, 2022

OPP Provincial Constable Grzegorz Pierzchala was killed while honouring his oath to protect his province. He represents the best of us.

My prayers are with him, his family and friends. It’s impossible to understand their grief right now. Ontario is thinking of you. https://t.co/7If3OQh0Yr

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) December 28, 2022

OPP officers issued an emergency alert on Tuesday advising residents in and near Ohsweken to shelter in place. Officers are searching for two suspects. HANDOUT / OPP