In the early morning hours of October 7th, 1993 Constable Joe Macdonald conducted a routine traffic stop on Gordon Street in New Sudbury. The driver was Peter Pennett. The passenger in the vehicle was Clinton Suzack, who at the time was wanted for a parole violation. Constable Macdonald began to fill out a ticket infraction and almost immediately he was attacked by both Pennett and Suzack resulting in Joe sustaining a broken leg as he fought for his life. Many Gordon Street residents were awoken due to the commotion. They witnessed the confrontation resulting in a number of frantic 911 calls from them to police. One of the residents on Gordon Street went outside to intervene and was threatened with a gun by Suzack and told not to interfere. Within minutes there was an exchange of gunfire. Constable Macdonald, a five year veteran, a son, brother, husband, father, and friend of many, was fatally shot less than two miles from his home where his wife and two infant daughters lay asleep. He was 29 years old.

Constable Macdonald “Joey” was very active in the community that he served. Joey was involved in the “Police Buddy Program” wherein he helped and interacted with disadvantaged children, the Police Tug of War Team, the Police Basketball Team, The Ryan Heights Community Based Policing project as well as coaching football. Joey was a gentle man who had a great sense of humour. He was well liked and respected by everyone who came in contact with him. He is missed and not forgotten.