A Toronto police officer was shot and killed Thursday morning during a high-risk warrant operation in North York tied to a wider investigation into several shootings, including the March 2026 attack on the U.S. Consulate in downtown Toronto.
Toronto police identified the officer as Const. Marc Pinizzotto, 43, an 18-year member of the service and part of the Emergency Task Force. He was shot inside an apartment unit at a residential complex on Martha Eaton Way, near Trethewey Drive and Black Creek Drive, shortly after officers arrived around 5:42 a.m. to execute a warrant.
Police said gunfire erupted inside a fourth-floor unit. Pinizzotto was rushed to Sunnybrook Hospital under emergency escort, where he was later pronounced dead.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said the death has shaken the force and the wider policing community.
“This loss will have a profound impact on the Toronto police family. Our service, our members, and all members of the larger policing family are deeply saddened,” an emotional Demkiw said at a press conference. “No words can capture the impact on Marc’s family, who expected him to come home today. We, as a service, will support them and each other.”
A procession carrying Pinizzotto from Sunnybrook Hospital to the coroner’s office began at 1 p.m. ET.
North York Raid Linked To U.S. Consulate Shooting Probe
Demkiw said police executed multiple search warrants across the GTA Thursday as part of an investigation into “a number of shootings,” including the March shooting at the U.S. Consulate on University Avenue.
Police are seeking 19-year-old Zara Jabbi in connection with the investigation. Demkiw did not confirm whether Jabbi was directly linked to the fatal shooting in North York, but said he was connected to the warrant carried out at the apartment complex.
“I urge you to turn yourself in,” said Demkiw.
The Special Investigations Unit has invoked its mandate after the exchange of gunfire. SIU spokesperson Monica Hudon said one suspect fired at Pinizzotto.
“The man discharged his weapon one time, and the officer was shot once,” said SIU spokesperson Monica Hudon. “The suspect was shot multiple times.”
Hudon said a second officer fired after Pinizzotto was shot, striking the suspect. Four people were inside the apartment unit during the raid.
“Last I heard, [the suspect] is in critical condition in the ICU.”
