Toronto Police Constable Marc Pinizzotto Killed in line of duty during search warrant operation
Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw has confirmed the death of Police Constable Marc Pinizzotto, a member of the Emergency Task Force (ETF), who was fatally shot while executing a search warrant in northwest Toronto early Thursday morning.
Pinizzotto, 43, was wounded during a police operation in the area of Black Creek Drive and Trethewey Drive. He received immediate medical attention from Toronto Tactical Paramedics at the scene before being transported to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Despite extensive efforts by medical staff, he later succumbed to his injuries.
"It is with deep and profound sorrow that I must confirm the death of Police Constable Marc Pinizzotto," Chief Demkiw said during an emotional media briefing. "Marc was shot in the line of duty while conducting a search warrant early this morning."
Chief Demkiw and Toronto Police Association President Clayton Campbell met with Pinizzotto's family at the hospital to deliver the devastating news.
"Words cannot describe the pain they are feeling," Demkiw said. "No words can capture the impact on Marc's family, who expected him to come home today."
Pinizzotto served with the Toronto Police Service for 18 years, including the last five years as a specially trained member of the Emergency Task Force. Colleagues described him as a dedicated officer whose loss will be deeply felt across the policing community.
"This loss will have a profound impact on the Toronto Police family," Demkiw said. "Our Service, our members, and all members of the larger policing family are deeply saddened."
The investigation that led to the search warrants was linked to a series of shootings in Toronto, including a recent shooting incident at the United States Consulate on University Avenue. Multiple warrants were executed as part of the operation.
Police confirmed that one suspect remains outstanding. Investigators have identified the individual as 19-year-old Zara Jabbi and are urging him to surrender to authorities.
"I urge you to turn yourself in," Demkiw said.
Toronto Police say they are continuing their investigation and will release additional information as it becomes available.