Ontario Police Identify The Two Officers Killed In Innisfil Shooting Last Night

"This is a heartbreaking time for our police service."

Constable Devon Northrup. Right: Constable Morgan Russell.

Constable Devon Northrup. Right: Constable Morgan Russell.

Creator

A shooting at an Innisfil home on Tuesday night has left two South Simcoe Police officers dead.

Chief John Van Dyke identified the two officers as Constable Morgan Russell, 54, and Constable Devon Northrup, 33, at a press conference at the Innisfil Town Hall on October 12.

"The South Simcoe Police Service is devasted to announce the death of two of our officers," said Van Dyke. "It is with profound sadness that I announce the death of Constable Devon Northrup and Constable Morgan Russell. Words cannot describe our grief."

South Simcoe Police responded to a call for a "disturbance at a home" near 25th Sideroad and 9th Line at around 7:55 on October 11, and both officers were later shot inside, according to a press release.

The suspect was killed during the altercation with police, and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating the death.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the SIU said the individual was a 23-year-old man, who was declared dead on the scene following "an exchange of gunfire" between himself and officers.

"This is a heartbreaking time for our police service, the families impacted, our emergency services personnel and our communities," said Van Dyke. "Our immediate focus is to support our members and our grieving families."

Northrup was a member of the Emergency Response Unit and the forces Mental Health Crisis Outreach and Support Team. The 33-year-old is survived by his partner, parents, and friends.

Russell was a 33-year veteran of the service assigned to uniformed patrol and is "survived by his wife and two adult children."

During the press conference, Van Dyke revealed that Russell's death is "personal" for him, as the pair went to police school together 33 years ago.

The York Regional Police Service will also be investigating the incident.

  • Brooke Houghton (she/her) was a Toronto-based writer for Narcity Media. Brooke has written for publications such as blogTO, Post City, Vitalize Magazine and more.

OPP officer dead after crash in Cobourg: police

OPP officer dead after crash on Highway 401 in Cobourg: police

Father charged with killing 2 children in Calgary

Father charged with killing son, 5, daughter, 3, found in vehicle in Calgary

Sikh activist warned of 'imminent' threat to life

B.C. Sikh activist says police warned him of 'imminent' threat to life

9 things no one tells you about moving to a small Ontario town that I learned the hard way

Sometimes the grass isn’t always greener (even if it’s literally greener).

7 reasons why I won't be moving back to Canada anytime soon, as someone who left

And it's not just because winter in Canada sucks, either.

Service Canada is hiring for jobs in these cities and you don't need a degree or experience

Job duties include providing administrative and clerical support.