Editor’s Note: The photo of the female suspect submitted by the OPP may have been incorrect so all photos of the suspects have been taken down from this story.
UPDATE: OPP COMMISSIONER ISSUES A STATEMENT RE: FALLEN OFFICER
“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,” OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique shared on Twitter. “Our hearts are with his loved ones and all OPP members at this tragic time. #HeroesInLife“
UPDATE: MISSISSAUGAS OF THE CREDIT FIRST NATIONS CONFIRMS CAPTURE OF BOTH SUSPECTS.
Two Individuals in Custody.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is mourning the death of a member of the Haldimand County Detachment, killed in the line of duty.
On December 27, 2022, shortly after 2:30 p.m., an officer had been responding to a vehicle in the ditch at the intersection of Indian Line and Concession 14, west of Hagersville. When the officer arrived, he was shot.
Provincial Constable Grzegorz Pierzchala was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Constable Pierzchala was 28 years old and had been an OPP officer for just over a year.
Two individuals were seen fleeing from the scene. Following a major search of the area, two people have been taken into custody. No further details will be released at this time regarding the suspects.
An ‘Alert Ready’ message had been sent to residents in the area, warning them to shelter-in-place. That alert, and the need to shelter in place, has now been cancelled.
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.
If anyone has any information that may assist the investigation, they should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
BREAKING: OPP OFFICER SHOT AND KILLED – SHELTER IN PLACE WARNING ISSUED
An on-duty officer with the Ontario Provincial Police has been shot and killed today on Indian Line/Townline Road just west of Hagersville.
Both Six Nations Police and OPP are currently investigating the incident and are searching for suspects who are believed to be armed. Some roads leading into or out of Hagersville have reportedly been blocked off and an increased police presence is expected, including Hamilton and OPP cruisers along with air units. A Shelter In Place warning has since been sent out by OPP.
The suspect vehicle is described as a 2021 black Chevy pickup with damage on the driver’s side of the vehicle, as the vehicle struck a police cruiser.
The suspects are described as:
1. An Indigenous male, black pants, a tattoo on the left side of his neck. This suspect has been identified as Randall McKenzie, age 25, 188 cm (6’1″) tall, 70 kg (154 lbs), with hazel eyes, black hair, and an olive complexion.
2. A Caucasian female, 25-30 years old, red pinkish short hair. A photo of the female was included in the Shelter In Place warning, but no other details were available at the time of posting.
Police are urging residents to avoid the area if possible. Those currently in the area should report any suspicious activity and should not answer their door to unknown persons.
Anyone with information about this incident or the location of the suspects should contact 911 immediately.
An update will be provided as available.
