Two suspects in shooting death of OPP officer facing first-degree murder charges

Two suspects in the shooting death of a Haldimand County OPP officer are facing first-degree murder charges.

READ MORE: UPDATE: OPP officer shot and killed near Hagersville; suspects in custody

A Haldimand detachment Ontario Provincial Police officer was shot and killed near Hagersville today after responding to reports of a vehicle in a ditch at Indian Line and Concession 14 around 2:40 p.m on Tuesday.

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique said in a tweet that Const. Grzegorz Pierzchala was killed on Tuesday in the line of duty.

28-year-old Pierzchala had just completed his probation to become a permanent member of the OPP.

Police officers stood in line and saluted Tuesday night as his remains were carried to Toronto. Pierzchala is being praised as a well-liked and dedicated police officer.

OPP arrested 25-year-old Randall McKenzie and 30-year-old Brandi Stewart-Sperry, charged with first-degree murder. They were in Cayuga court by video on Wednesday from jail. They will be held in custody until their next court appearance on Jan. 17.