Ontario’s police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit, says it’s investigating after an Ontario Provincial Police officer and a civilian were shot and killed in connection with an incident on Manitoulin Island on Thursday.
“Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 12:30, an individual contacted the OPP to report the presence of an unwanted person on a property in Gore Bay,” SIU spokesperson Monica Hudon said.
“Soon after officers arrived on the scene, they encountered the man and there was interaction.”
As a result of the interaction, Hudon said one OPP officer sustained a fatal gunshot wound, while the civilian was also shot and taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
SIU investigating fatal shooting on Manitoulin Island, resulting in death of OPP officer and civilian. Spokesperson Monica Hudon: pic.twitter.com/SKjwea26oz
— SIU (@SIUOntario) November 19, 2020
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On Thursday, OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique identified the 28-year veteran officer who died as Marc Hovingh.
The SIU says three investigators and two forensic investigators are on the way to the scene.
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 #HeroesInLifepic.twitter.com/9cVsYhUqcv
— Thomas Carrique (@OPPCommissioner) November 19, 2020
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of provincial constable Mark Hovingh who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Manitoulin Island and hope for the speedy recovery of the other officer in this senseless act of violence,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said in a statement Thursday.
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“Our government has requested that the flags at Queen’s Park be lowered out of respect for the fallen and their family who are all grieving at this very difficult time.”
Early afternoon Thursday, OPP said there was a “heavy police presence” in Gore Bay in the area of Scotland Road, Hindman Trail and 10th Road. They’ve requested for the public to stay away from the area at this time.
Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath tweeted her “heart is in Manitoulin” with the OPP officer’s loved ones, all force members and first responders at the scene.
My heart is in Manitoulin, with the OPP officer critically injured and their family, loved ones, all members of the OPP, and the first responders at the scene.
— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) November 19, 2020
The OPP Association said its thoughts are with the officer’s family and friends.
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Our thoughts are with our critically injured OPP officer, who has been shot on duty, their family and friends, and all of our members and first responders who are dealing with this incident on Manitoulin Island today. We will update condition of the officer as soon as we know. https://t.co/KN9jqeikKe
— OPP Association (@OPPAssociation) November 19, 2020
Deeply saddened to hear about the tragic incident that has taken place on Manitoulin Island this afternoon.
My thoughts are with the officer’s family and friends, the first responders and the entire Ontario Provincial Police.
— Caroline Mulroney (@C_Mulroney) November 19, 2020
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28-year OPP veteran dies while on duty on Manitoulin Island: police official – Global News
