UPDATE: Residents told to stay indoors as OPP officer shot and killed west of Hamilton and Niagara

An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) police officer has been shot and killed and residents near the Hagersville area have been told to stay indoors as the suspects are hunted.

Police say the officer was responding to a stolen car report around 2:30 p.m. today (Dec. 27) on a remote road near Hagersville in Haldimand County, just west of Hamilton and Niagara.

When the officer arrived at the scene where the stolen Chevy Silverado pickup truck was spotted, he was met with gunfire. The officer was seriously injured and reports now indicate he has died as a result of his injuries.

Just before 6 p.m., OPP issued an emergency alert telling residents in the area to remain in shelter as the two suspects are considered armed and dangerous.

The alert identified one of the suspects as Randall McKenzie, 25. He is described as Indigenous, 6-foot-2, 154 lbs. with an olive complexion and black hair. The alert also released a photo of a female suspect, Brandi Stewart-Sperry.

#OPP officer shot after responding to a call for a vehicle in the ditch at Indian Line and Consession 14 of Walpole. #OPP continuing to investigate. Further details to follow. @HaldimandCounty #HaldimandOPP ^es pic.twitter.com/hgm6HyToMs

— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) December 27, 2022