A funeral for a police officer killed while trying to make an arrest in a town north of Toronto has been scheduled for Wednesday.
A full police ceremony will honour Const. Rob Plunkett at 11 a.m. at Ray Twinney Recreation Complex in Newmarket, York Regional Police announced Sunday.
The 22-year-veteran officer died Thursday morning while trying to apprehend a suspect believed to have stolen a vehicle. The culprit was allegedly attempting to steal the car's airbag.
Plunkett was dragged by a car, pinned to a tree and thrown from the vehicle on a residential street in the town of Markham. The 43-year-old died a short time later in hospital.
Nadeem Jiwah, 19, has been charged with manslaughter, while Baseer Yousafzai, 23, faces charges of breach of bail and possession of stolen property. Additional charges are pending against both men, who are from Toronto.
The Crown said Friday Jiwah's charge could be upgraded to murder. CTV News learned he was out on bail for airbag theft charges at the time of Thursday's incident.
The two accused will remain in custody until their bail hearing next week.
Visitation periods will also be held on Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m., and again from 7 to 9 p.m. at Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Homes in Barrie.
York region police also have memorial books at every one of their locations. Mourners can express their condolences by signing one or by forwarding a message online.
Officer remembered as a "true hero"
York Regional Police offered their most sincere condolences to Plunkett's wife, Sonja, and their three children, Amanda, Jeffrey and Mathew.
The officer, who was known for his brave and charitable nature, was described by Chief Armand LaBarge and colleagues as a "true hero."
Insp. Gary Miner, who worked with Plunkett, says other officers are shocked by the loss.
"It's a very sombre feeling today. You can image just the realization that's going through the organization," he said.
Plunkett earned a bravery award in 1998 for rescuing a senior from a frozen lake.
In 2000, the officer also acted as the co-chair of the Ontario Special Olympic Spring Games, which were held in York region.
Plunkett is York's first officer to die in the line of duty since 1984, and just the third in its history.
