October 12, 2022
Gunshot
South Simcoe Police Service
On Tuesday October 11, 2022 at approximately 8:00 p.m., South Simcoe Police Constable Devon Northrup and Constable Morgan Russell responded to a disturbance call. Upon entering the residence, they were both shot and killed by a lone male in the home.
Cst. Northrup, 33 years old, and Cst. Russell, 54 years old, were dispatched to a disturbance call at the home in the area of 25th Sideroad and 9th Line. They entered the residence and were shot by the suspect using a semi-automatic rifle. The two officers did not have time to draw their firearms before being shot. A third officer at the home exchanged gunfire with the suspect. The suspect was later pronounced deceased. Cst. Northrup was rushed to the hospital where he later died. Cst. Russell was airlifted to the Toronto Trauma Centre where he succumbed to his injuries.
Cst. Russell was a 33-year veteran of the service and was assigned to Uniform Patrol. Cst. Russell served as a founding member of the Emergency Response Unit (for 22 years), a Coach Officer, a trained crisis negotiator, a member of the Recruiting team, and most importantly, a leader and friend. He is survived by his wife and two adult children.
Our condolences go out to Cst. Russell’s wife, family, friends and colleagues. He will be remembered.