Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Commissioner Thomas Carrique said he's "outraged" by the killing of an officer Tuesday and is calling for changes that will protect law enforcement in the province..28-year-old Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Const. Grzegorz Pierzchala of the Haldimand County detachment was shot after responding to a call of a car stuck in a ditch just west of Hagersville. Pierzchala was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he later died.The perpetrators fled the scene, but were later arrested. Randall McKenzie, 25, and his girlfriend Brandi Stewart-Sperry, 30, are both facing charges of first-degree murder.“I’m outraged by the fact McKenzie was out on bail and was provided the opportunity to take the life of an innocent officer,” Carrique said. “I know there is a lot interest in ensuring that, to see that changes are made, where possible, so people charged with violent offences that are firearms-related are not in those positions moving forward.”McKenzie was prohibited in 2018 of possessing any firearm in his lifetime. But McKenzie was again charged with several firearm-related offences and assaulting a peace officer in 2021. Carrique said McKenzie’s bail carried a number of conditions, including he must remain in his home and could not possess firearms. When McKenzie failed to attend court in September 2022, a warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest and additional criminal charges were laid against him.“Needless to say the murder of Const. Grzegorz Pierzchala was preventable. This should have never happened. Something needs to change," Carrique said. "Our police officers ... the public deserve to be safeguarded against violent offenders that are charged with firearms-related offenses."Carrique highlighted Pierzchala was the fourth police officer in Ontario to be "shot and killed while protecting his community."The officer was "ambushed" and stood "absolutely no chance to defend himself." He added Carrique did not even get the chance to discharge his firearm.Upon arrival, Pierzchala was shot by McKenzie and Stewart-Sperry. He was later transported with life-threatening injuries to hospital, where he died..Randall McKenzie, 25, and Brandi Stewart-Sperry, 30, who've been in custody since their arrest, appeared at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cayuga via a video link and are scheduled for their next hearing on Jan. 17. According to the Canadian Criminal Code, a charge of first-degree murder is automatic if a peace officer is killed in the line of duty..Carrique told a news conference late Wednesday night at the Cayuga OPP detachment his anger is largely due to the fact the man accused of killing Const. Grzegorz Pierzchala was out on bail on criminal charges, including assaulting a police officer.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Commissioner Thomas Carrique said he's "outraged" by the killing of an officer Tuesday and is calling for changes that will protect law enforcement in the province..28-year-old Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Const. Grzegorz Pierzchala of the Haldimand County detachment was shot after responding to a call of a car stuck in a ditch just west of Hagersville. Pierzchala was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he later died.The perpetrators fled the scene, but were later arrested. Randall McKenzie, 25, and his girlfriend Brandi Stewart-Sperry, 30, are both facing charges of first-degree murder.“I’m outraged by the fact McKenzie was out on bail and was provided the opportunity to take the life of an innocent officer,” Carrique said. “I know there is a lot interest in ensuring that, to see that changes are made, where possible, so people charged with violent offences that are firearms-related are not in those positions moving forward.”McKenzie was prohibited in 2018 of possessing any firearm in his lifetime. But McKenzie was again charged with several firearm-related offences and assaulting a peace officer in 2021. Carrique said McKenzie’s bail carried a number of conditions, including he must remain in his home and could not possess firearms. When McKenzie failed to attend court in September 2022, a warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest and additional criminal charges were laid against him.“Needless to say the murder of Const. Grzegorz Pierzchala was preventable. This should have never happened. Something needs to change," Carrique said. "Our police officers ... the public deserve to be safeguarded against violent offenders that are charged with firearms-related offenses."Carrique highlighted Pierzchala was the fourth police officer in Ontario to be "shot and killed while protecting his community."The officer was "ambushed" and stood "absolutely no chance to defend himself." He added Carrique did not even get the chance to discharge his firearm.Upon arrival, Pierzchala was shot by McKenzie and Stewart-Sperry. He was later transported with life-threatening injuries to hospital, where he died..Randall McKenzie, 25, and Brandi Stewart-Sperry, 30, who've been in custody since their arrest, appeared at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cayuga via a video link and are scheduled for their next hearing on Jan. 17. According to the Canadian Criminal Code, a charge of first-degree murder is automatic if a peace officer is killed in the line of duty..Carrique told a news conference late Wednesday night at the Cayuga OPP detachment his anger is largely due to the fact the man accused of killing Const. Grzegorz Pierzchala was out on bail on criminal charges, including assaulting a police officer.
