19-year-old to be charged after Toronto police officer shot in investigation tied to U.S. consulate shooting

A 19-year-old will be charged with first-degree murder in the death of a Toronto police constable shot in an exchange of gunfire in the city’s northwest end Thursday morning, police say.

The shooting happened as officers were conducting an investigation linked to several other incidents involving firearms around the Greater Toronto Area, Toronto police Chief Demkiw said, including one that took place at the U.S. consulate in March.

Const. Marc Pinizzotto, 43, was “a hero in life, not death,” Demkiw said at a news conference outside Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Pinizzotto was an 18-year veteran of the force who spent the last five years on the emergency task force (ETF), he said.  

“There’s a very heavy sorrow in our community right now,” Demkiw told reporters through tears.

Special Investigations Unit spokesperson Monica Hudon said an “exchange of gunfire” broke out while police were carrying out a search warrant at a residential building near Tretheway Drive and Black Creek Drive around 5:40 a.m.

The police watchdog is investigating the circumstances that led to the shooting and officer’s death.

“No words can capture the impact on Marc’s family, who expected him to come home today,” Demkiw said. “We are doing everything we can to support them at this difficult time.”

A procession was held from Sunnybrook to the chief coroner’s office at 1 p.m., according to a news release by Toronto police.

WATCH | SIU investigating shooting that left constable dead, suspect injured:

Suspect, 19, in critical condition following police shooting death: SIU

Ontario Special Investigations Unit spokesperson Monica Hudon spoke to reporters Thursday, saying an ‘exchange of gunfire’ broke out while police were carrying out a search warrant before Const. Marc Pinizzotto was shot and killed. She says the 19-year-old suspect is now in hospital in critical condition.

Hudon said police executed several search warrants at a building in the area Thursday morning. At an apartment unit on the fourth floor, a suspect discharged a firearm and hit an officer, she said.

Another officer then shot multiple times at the 19-year-old suspect, Nicholas Bennett of Toronto, who is in hospital in critical condition, Hudon said. Bennett will be charged with first-degree murder of Pinizzotto.

She said four other people were in the apartment unit at the time.

Demkiw said another 19-year-old suspect, Zara Jabbi, is still outstanding and urged the man to turn himself in.

He said the suspect was related to the broader investigation but he was not necessarily involved in the officer’s shooting. 

Demkiw warned residents to contact police immediately if they see the suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous.

Zara Jabbi, 19. is wanted in connection with the March shooting at the U.S. Consulate and is considered armed and dangerous. If you see him, do not approach, police say. (Toronto Police Service)

Hudon said the SIU is only investigating what took place in the apartment building and will not be looking at the outstanding suspect. She urged anyone with additional information to reach out to police.

Family of dead officer devastated: officials

Pinizzotto’s family is devastated by the “heartbreaking” loss, said Toronto Police Association president Clayton Campbell.

“Our members put their lives on the line every day, and it is a tragedy that Marc did not return home safely to his family,” he said.

The officer’s loss and the family’s grief is shared by residents across Toronto, said Mayor Olivia Chow. 

“We are so grateful for all who serve and continue to stand with those who keep our community safe,” she said, adding she knew Pinizzotto’s mother for over 20 years.

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FULL NEWS CONFERENCE | Toronto police chief speaks after officer killed

A 43-year-old Toronto police constable died Thursday morning after being shot during an exchange of gunfire with a suspect in the city’s northwest, according to Chief Myron Demkiw. Speaking through tears, Demkiw said the police community is experiencing a ‘deep sadness’ and sorrow.

Demkiw said investigators and law enforcement officials met with the officer’s family at the hospital to confirm the news.

“We will lean on each other as we navigate our way through this devastating tragedy,” he said, adding that ETF officers are trained to the “highest standard.”

Tributes, condolences come in from PM, others

Condolences poured in on social media for Pinizzotto and his family from U.S. ambassador Pete Hoekstra, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and law enforcement officials.

“Our thoughts, our prayers are with the family of the police [officer] who was killed,” said Hoekstra at an unrelated trade conference Thursday morning.

Carney also paid tribute to the death of Ontario Provincial Police Const. Tarun Bali, who died on Tuesday.

“Canada mourns the loss of these brave officers who dedicated their lives to protecting their communities,” he said.

In the House of Commons Thursday, Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree both expressed grief over the shooting during question period.

WATCH | MPs address police shooting during question period:

Ottawa supporting investigation into killing of Toronto police officer, minister says

Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree both expressed grief after a Toronto police constable died in an exchange of gunfire with a suspect Thursday morning. ‘We will work in collaboration to ensure that we get results and we support those in front-line policing,’ Anandasangaree said.

The loss of Pinizzotto is a “sobering reminder” of the sacrifices made by police across Ontario, said Ontario Premier Doug Ford as he shared condolences online.

Toronto Deputy Mayor Mike Colle said the loss was a “gut punch to everybody” in the city and serves as a reminder of the violence tied to the shootings that targeted the U.S. consulate and several synagogues in the GTA recently.

Katalin Beseneyi, who lives in the residential building, said the incident was “so scary” and said a single gunshot, followed by banging noises, could be heard from the sixth floor. She said there was blood on the floor of the elevator Thursday morning.

The CN Tower will be dimmed for the first five minutes of every hour Thursday in honour of Pinizzotto, according to a post on social media.

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