The tragic death of a Toronto police officer has led to one murder charge and an intensive manhunt for a second suspect who investigators say is armed, dangerous, and linked to an earlier shooting at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto.
Marc Pinizzotto, a respected 18-year veteran of the Toronto Police Service, was fatally shot Thursday while officers were executing a search warrant in the area of Black Creek Drive and Trethewey Drive in Toronto.
According to Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw, officers came under gunfire during the operation. Pinizzotto was critically wounded and rushed to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, where he later died from his injuries.
The death of the 43-year-old officer has sparked an outpouring of grief from police services, public officials, and members of the community across Ontario. Colleagues remembered him as a dedicated officer who spent nearly two decades serving and protecting the people of Toronto.
Investigators have charged Nicholas Bennett, 19, with first-degree murder in connection with the officer’s death. Bennett remains in hospital after being injured during the exchange of gunfire.
However, police say a second suspect remains at large.
Authorities have identified the wanted suspect as Zara Jabbi, 19. Investigators describe him as armed and dangerous and are urging members of the public not to approach him if seen.
Police allege Jabbi was involved in the confrontation that resulted in Constable Pinizzotto’s death and is also connected to a separate high-profile shooting incident at the United States Consulate General Toronto earlier this year.
That incident occurred on March 12 when police say two suspects arrived in a white Honda CR-V and fired shots at the U.S. Consulate building during the early morning hours before fleeing the scene. No injuries were reported, but the attack prompted widespread condemnation from political leaders and law enforcement officials.
At the time, Doug Ford described the shooting as an unacceptable act of violence and intimidation, while Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the attack and expressed relief that no one was harmed.
Toronto police have released a photograph of Jabbi and say a court order has temporarily authorized publication of his identity to assist investigators in locating him. Police noted that the photograph was taken when the suspect was still a youth.
Investigators continue to appeal to the public for information regarding Jabbi’s whereabouts. Anyone who sees the suspect is being urged to call 911 immediately rather than attempting to approach or confront him.
The killing of Constable Pinizzotto marks one of the most serious incidents involving the Toronto Police Service in recent years and serves as a stark reminder of the risks police officers face while carrying out their duties.
As the investigation continues, police services across Ontario have lowered flags and expressed solidarity with the Toronto Police Service and the family of the fallen officer. Tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, elected officials, and residents mourning the loss of an officer who gave his life in service to the community.
Toronto police have asked anyone with information about the case to contact investigators or anonymously provide information through Crime Stoppers. Authorities say the search for the outstanding suspect remains an active and high-priority operation.