2 suspects sought after officer fatally shot near Hagersville; shelter in place issued for southwestern Ontario

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are looking for two suspects after an officer was fatally shot near Hagersville, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.

OPP issued an alert just before 6 p.m. to residents of several municipalities in southwestern Ontario, including Hamilton and Niagara Falls, advising them to shelter in place as they search for the suspects.

The incident began in the area of Indian Road and Concession 14 Walpole. OPP Const. Ed Sanchuk said an officer attended the area for a report of a vehicle in a ditch at around 2:40 p.m.

Upon arrival, the officer was shot, Sanchuk said. The officer was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The mayor of Haldimand County, where the shooting took place, confirmed in a statement that the officer had died.

“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,” Mayor Shelley Bentley said.

“Our hearts go out to the officer’s family, his OPP colleagues, and all first responders impacted by this horrific event.

“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.”

The circumstances that led to the shooting are unknown.

Sanchuk said two suspects, a male and a female, were seen fleeing the scene in a vehicle described as a black 2021 black Chevrolet pick-up truck.

In the emergency alert, police released photos of the suspects but only identified one of them as 25-year-old Randall Mckenzie.

Police said he is described as Indigenous, approximately six-foot-two, weighs 70 kilograms, with hazel eyes and black hair.

OPP are urging anyone with information to contact them at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.