OPP officer fatally shot, suspect killed following incident out of Manitoulin Island
Posted November 19, 2020 4:37 pm.
Last Updated November 19, 2020 5:32 pm.
An veteran OPP officer has been fatally shot and a suspect has died in hospital following an incident on Manitoulin Island.
The police union said the officer was shot and killed while conducting a wellness check at a trailer near the Tenth Line, just east of the East Bluff, near Gore Bay.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said that around 12:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of an unwanted person on a property in Gore Bay.
“Soon after, officers arrived on the scene they encountered the man and there was an interaction. As a result of that interaction, one OPP officer sustained a fatal gunshot wound.”
“The man was also shot, and he was taken to hospital where he was pronounced deceased,” SIU spokesperson Monica Hudon said.
The SIU is urging anyone with information to come forward.
With great sadness I advise that PC Marc Hovingh, a 28 year veteran of the #OPP, has succumbed to his injuries sustained while bravely serving in the line of duty. Our hearts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this tragic time #HeroesInLife pic.twitter.com/9cVsYhUqcv
— Thomas Carrique (@OPPCommissioner) November 19, 2020
The officer has been identified as 28-year veteran and provincial constable Marc Hovingh.
“With great sadness I advise that PC Marc Hovingh, a 28 year veteran of the OPP, has succumbed to his injuries sustained while bravely serving in the line of duty,” OPP commissioner Thomas Carrique said.
“Our hearts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this tragic time.”
Ontario premier Doug Ford was also quick to acknowledge the tragedy.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Provincial Constable Marc Hovingh who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Manitoulin Island,” Ontario premier Doug Ford said.
“Our government has requested that the flags at Queen’s Park be lowered out of respect for the fallen and their family who are grieving at this very difficult time.”
The sorrow of an officer fallen will be felt province-wide. We are so saddened to learn that OPP Constable Marc Hovingh has been killed, and that a second officer has sustained injuries on Manitoulin Island in the line of duty today.
— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) November 19, 2020
NDP leader Andrea Horwath released a statement on Twitter, saying “I extend the heartfelt condolences of the Official Opposition to the family and loved ones of Constable Hovingh, as well as to all members of the OPP, who will feel this loss profoundly.”
The investigation is ongoing.
