UPDATE - OPP Officer Shot - Provincial Constable Pham Succumbs to Fatal
Shooting

LONDON, ON, March 8 /CNW/ - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reporting that 37-year-old Provincial Constable Vu PHAM from Huron County OPP has passed away as a result of his injuries.

Commissioner Fantino stated "I am deeply saddened by the loss of this young brave officer who was committed to protecting the citizens of Ontario."

Provincial Constable Pham was shot while responding to an occurrence today, Monday March 8, 2010 at approximately 10:18 am.

The incident began as a result of OPP officers responding to a call for service on North Line, Huron County which is just north of Seaforth, Ontario.

At that time, Constable Pham, a 15 year member of the OPP assigned to the Huron County OPP attempted to stop a vehicle and in doing so was confronted by an armed suspect.

During the confrontation Constable PHAM was critically shot and incapacitated. OPP officers in close proximity of the scene located and confronted the suspect who was shot during the incident.

The investigation into the matter is being conducted by the OPP's Criminal Investigation Branch and the Province's Special Investigation Unit.

Further information regarding funeral arrangements for Provincial Constable PHAM will be forthcoming at a later time.

During his career, Constable Pham has also served the Cochrane and West Parry Sound detachments of the OPP.

The Province's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has been notified and has invoked its mandate. Further inquiries should be directed to SIU Communication at 416-622-2342.

To view a photo of Provincial Constable Vu PHAM, please click here:

http://files.newswire.ca/156/OPPphoto.doc

For further information: Sgt. D. Rektor, Phone: [phone]