Two suspects have been charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Ontario Provincial Police officer Grzegorz Pierzchala yesterday afternoon just outside Hagersville, about 45km southwest of Hamilton.

It was just after 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday when Constable Pierzchala was responding to a call about a car in a ditch near Indian Line and Concession 14 in Walpole Township when two occupants opened gunfire.

The 28-year-old Pierzchala was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead a short time later.

Pierzchala had just completed his 10-month probationary period as an OPP officer and was on his first solo patrol hours before being killed. He had previously served as a special constable at Queen’s Park and had been with the provincial police force for just over a year.

The 25-year-old male suspect, identified as Randall McKenzie, and a 30-year-old female suspect, identified as Brandi Crystal Lyn Stewart-Sperry, were apprehended a short time later at an undisclosed location.

Both suspects appeared in court in Cayuga on Wednesday afternoon where they were formally charged.