Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Flags outside the Napanee detachment of the Lennox and Addington OPP flew at half-mast Wednesday afternoon in tribute to Haldimand OPP Cst. Grzegorz Pierzchala, who was killed in the line of duty in Hagersville, about 45 minutes outside of Hamilton.
The 28-year-old officer was shot while responding to a call about a vehicle in a ditch on Tuesday afternoon. He was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries, which later proved to be fatal.
“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,” tweeted OPP commissioner Thomas Carrique. “Our hearts are with his loved ones and all OPP members at this tragic time.”
Pierzchala was working his first solo patrol day of his career after just completing his 10 month probation period.
Two suspects were seen fleeing the vehicle after the shooting and a shelter in place warning was issued as police conducted a search. A short time later two people-25-year-old Randall McKenzie and an unidentified 30-year-old woman-were arrested and remain in police custody.
Pierzchala is the fourth OPP officer killed in the line of duty since September.