Toronto Police Officer Fatally Shot in Gunfire Incident

A 19-year-old is set to face charges of first-degree murder following the fatal shooting of a Toronto police constable during a gunfire exchange in the city’s northwest early Thursday morning, according to police reports.

The incident occurred while officers were investigating multiple firearm-related events throughout the Greater Toronto Area, as stated by Toronto police Chief Demkiw. This includes an earlier event connected to the U. S. consulate that happened in March.

Const. Marc Pinizzotto, 43, was described as “a hero in life, not death” by Demkiw during a press conference outside Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Pinizzotto had served on the force for 18 years and spent the last five years with the emergency task force (ETF), he added.

“There’s a very heavy sorrow in our community right now,” Demkiw expressed to reporters with tears in his eyes.

Monica Hudon, spokesperson for the Special Investigations Unit, mentioned that an “exchange of gunfire” erupted while police executed a search warrant at a residential building near Tretheway Drive and Black Creek Drive around 5:40 a. m.

WATCH | Here’s the latest on the shooting death of a Toronto police officer:

A Toronto officer was shot dead Thursday. Here’s what we know

A Toronto police officer lost his life following an exchange of gunfire while executing a search warrant, said Chief Myron Demkiw on Thursday. The provincial Special Investigations Unit informed that they will be looking into this incident. CBC’s Clara Pasieka brings you updates from the scene of the shooting.

The police watchdog is currently examining how this tragic event unfolded and led to the officer’s death.

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

A procession took place from Sunnybrook to the chief coroner’s office at 1 p. m., as per information released by Toronto police.

Hudon indicated that several search warrants were carried out at buildings in that area Thursday morning. In one apartment on the fourth floor, she reported that a suspect fired a weapon and struck an officer.

In response, another officer fired multiple shots at Nicholas Bennett, also 19 years old and from Toronto, who is now hospitalized in critical condition. Bennett will be charged with first-degree murder concerning Pinizzotto’s death.

Four other individuals were present inside that apartment unit when this happened.

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 addressed reporters Thursday about how an ‘exchange of gunfire’ broke out while officers executed their search warrant before Const. Marc Pinizzotto was tragically killed. She added that Bennett is now critically injured and receiving treatment in hospital.

Demkiw noted another suspect aged 19 named Zara Jabbi is still outstanding and encouraged him to turn himself over to authorities.

This individual is linked to the broader investigation but isn’t necessarily implicated in shooting at officers.

Demkiw warned residents to alert authorities immediately if they spot Jabbi since he is considered armed and dangerous.

Zara Jabbi, 19, is wanted regarding March’s U. S. Consulate incident and should not be approached if seen according to police warnings.(Submitted by Toronto Police Service)

Hudon clarified that SIU will only look into what occurred within the apartment building and won’t pursue matters concerning any outstanding suspects further at this time. She urged anyone with more information related to this case reach out directly to law enforcement officials.

The Family of Fallen Officer Grieves: Officials Speak Out

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Pinizzotto’s family is heartbroken over their “devastating” loss as conveyed by Clayton Campbell from the Toronto Police Association.
“Our members put their lives on line every day; it’s tragic Marc didn’t return home safely,” he remarked.
Mayor Olivia Chow expressed shared grief felt across residents throughout Toronto regarding both Pinizzotto’s sacrifice along with his family’s pain.
“We’re truly thankful for all those who serve while standing together supporting those keeping our communities secure,” she commented adding she has known Pinizzotto’s mother personally for over two decades.
WATCH | Statements made after constable killed:<img src="https://ontariochronicle. ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1781218301_868_default. jpg" alt="" class="thumbnail" loading="lazy"/

FULL NEWS CONFERENCE|Toronto chief speaks post-officer killing

A fellow officer tragically passed away after being fatally shot during confrontation involving firearms yesterday morning according To statement given By Chief Myron Demkiw conveying deep sadness experienced among policing circles right now through tearful emotion displayed visibly upon delivering remarks.
Investigators met With PINIZZOTTO’S relatives At hospital confirming heartbreaking news later reported publicly speaking openly about navigating Through such tragedy together moving forward.
“We Will depend On Each Other As We Traverse Our Way Forward Amidst This Heart-Wrenching Tragedy.” He said further stating how ETF personnel undergoes rigorous training meeting highest standards.

Condolences And Tributes Pour In From Various Leaders

Many have expressed condolences online For PINIZZOTTO along side His family including messages From United States Ambassador Pete Hoekstra , Prime Minister Mark Carney , Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre among others engaged within Law Enforcement circles too.

“Our thoughts & prayers Are With Family Of deceased Officer Today”, remarked HOEKSTRA During A trade Conference Event Happening That same Morning.

CARNEY Paid Respect Also Honoring Another fallen member From Ontario Provincial Police Const. TARUN BALI Who Lost His Life Just Two Days Prior As Well !!

“Canada Mourns Loss Of These Brave Officers Who Devoted Their Lives Protecting Communities” , He Shared Publicly Afterwards…

During Question Period At House Of Commons Both Conservative Deputy Leader MELISSA LANTSMAN And Public Safety Minister GARY ANANDASANGAREE Expressed Deep Sorrow Concerning Shooting Incident That Resulted In Death Earlier Today !.

< WATCH | MPs Discuss Situation During Question Time:

Ottawa Supporting Investigation Into Killing Of Officer Asserts Minister Reiterates Commitment Together We Will Ensure Results While Supporting Frontline Policing Efforts!

Premier Doug Ford Spoke Online Expressing How Loss Serves As Reminder Highlighting Sacrifices Made Daily By Officers Across Ontario Region.

Deputy Mayor Mike Colle Reflected On Situation Sharing It Felt Like “Gut Punch To Everyone Here” Which Calls Attention Violence Associated Recent Shootings Targeted Not Only US Consulate But Several Synagogues Located Throughout GTA Recently.

Katalin Beseneyi Living Within Residential Building Revealed Incident Felt Extremely Scary noting One Gunshot followed By Multiple Bangs Echoed From Sixth Floor Describing Blood Seen Early Morning Inside Elevator Following Day After Event Occurred!..

CN Tower Will Dim Lights For First Five Minutes Every Hour Tonight Honoring Memory Of CONSTABLE MARC PINIZZOTTO According To Social Media Announcement Reached Outwardly … PHOTOS| Authorities Investigate After Shooting Death Occurs Among Members Involved In Case :

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