SUDBURY -- Ontario's Special Investigations Unit has confirmed that a provincial police officer and a civilian were killed in a shooting incident on Thursday near Gore Bay on Manitoulin Island.

Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Thomas Carrique confirmed that Const. Marc Hovingh, a 28-year veteran member, was killed.

Police say the two officers were following up an investigation into a property dispute when the 52-year-old officer was shot. He later died of his injuries.

"There was an interaction between a person at the scene and an officer, resulting in one officer being fatally shot," a news release said.

"The person at the scene has also died as a result of the interaction. This person is not being identified at this time until their identity can be confirmed and next of kin notifications are complete."

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said police were sent to investigate the presence of an “unwanted man” on a Gore Bay property around 12:30 p.m. Thursday.

"Soon after arriving, officers encountered a man and an interaction ensued. As a result of that interaction, one officer sustained a fatal gunshot wound," the SIU said. "The man, who also was shot, was transported to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries."

No other police officers or civilians were injured, officials said.

 

Gore Bay Mayor Dan Osborne said the incident took place up on the East Bluffs in the nearby Gordon township.

An Espanola resident told CTV News shortly before noon he saw "a swarm of OPP officers heading toward the island."

CONDOLENCES POURING IN

As news of the officer's death was announced, condolences began pouring in from across the province and flags at Queen's Park were lowered to half-mast to honour Hovingh.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Provincial Const. Marc Hovingh who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Manitoulin Island," Premier Doug Ford said in a statement. "My thoughts are with all the brave men and women on the frontlines who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe."

Gore Bay Mayor Dan Osborne said the incident has quickly rocked the community.

The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about the investigation to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529.

It is also asking anyone who may have video evidence related to the incident to submit it through the SIU website.