Updated: This story was updated at 8:14 am.
Correction: This story has been updated to show that one officer was shot in the Gore Bay event of Thursday, November 19, not two as was previously reported.
GORE BAY—Constable Marc Hovingh, a 28-year veteran of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and a yet-to-be-named suspect are both dead following a dramatic event that unfolded near the Tenth Line and Scotland Road, just east of the East Bluff, in Gore Bay on Thursday, November 19.
The Expositor has learned that an officer was shot during an investigation at a trailer near the Tenth Line. The investigation quickly turned into a rescue operation for the downed officer. Early reports were that a second officer had been shot, but OPP state this to be false. The suspect was also wounded in the operation and died of his injuries in hospital. There are no other suspects in the matter.
At 2 pm, OPP commissioner Thomas Carrique confirmed that a 28-year veteran of the force had sustained critical injuries in an ‘ongoing situation’ on Manitoulin. Later Thursday afternoon, it was confirmed that the officer had succumbed to his injuries.
“Our thoughts and best wishes are with our officer and their family, while we continue to investigate the occurrence,” the commissioner posted on Twitter.
Thoughts and prayers are flooding into the Expositor Facebook page, where this information was first posted.
Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing, MP Carol Hughes issued this statement on the passing of OPP Constable Marc Hovingh in the line of duty, Thursday
“I am deeply saddened to hear that earlier today Const. Marc Hovingh, a veteran of 28 years with the Ontario Provincial Police, was killed in the line of duty while working on Manitoulin Island,” said Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes in an emailed statement. “I extend my sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family, his colleagues within the OPP and across other police services, his friends, and the residents of Manitoulin Island.”
“On behalf of the people of Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing who are filled with grief at this tragic loss and grateful to all those who put their lives on the line for us every day, I wish his family, loved ones, and those he has touched much strength through these difficult times,” the MP said.
Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Mike Mantha also offered his condolences, stating, “The tight-knit community of Manitoulin Island is devastated at the tragic loss of Constable Marc Hovingh. My deepest condolences are with his family, his friends and all who will miss him, including members of the policing community throughout Ontario.
“On Manitoulin Island, OPP officers are our friends and our neighbours. On duty and off, they play an active role in Manitoulin life. We will be forever changed by the devastating loss of one of our own. Manitoulin is also strong, and I have faith that we will come together to grieve and to heal, to support Constable Hovingh’s loved ones, and to remember a hero gone too soon.”
Stay tuned to this website for more information as it becomes available.
