Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit has confirmed that 29-year-old Sean Ward, the suspect who shot and injured Belleville police officer Constable Jeff Smith and shot over 20 bullets into the windows of a local synagogue during Yom Kippur celebrations, has died in hospital.
The Ontario police investigator has confirmed that Ward died on Tuesday. Constable Smith is still recovering in the hospital but is in stable condition.
When asked if the suspected shooter was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and whether he was stationed at the nearby Trenton CFB Air Base, CAF spokesperson Andrée-Anne Poulin confirmed Ward had at one point served in the Canadian Armed Forces.
“We are aware of the tragic incident that occurred in Belleville, and our thoughts are with all those affected,” Poulin said. “Our records indicate that a former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member named Sean Ward matches the description provided.”
The description included a photo taken from the Facebook account of Doug Ward, who can now be assumed to be Ward’s father, though Doug Ward did not respond to Juno News’ requests for comment.
Poulin said Ward joined the CAF in July 2017 and was released in June 2022 at the rank of corporal.
“He served as an infantry soldier with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and did not deploy during his service,” she said.
Poulin also noted that the Canadian Armed Forces and National Defence “remain ready to provide assistance to the investigation if required.”
Good riddance to bad rubbish. It's interesting that we knew this caucasian's identity within hours of the incident but we still haven't learned the identity of the "known to police" thug who shot up Edworthy Park here in Calgary months ago. Things that make you go, "hmmmm."