A Toronto police officer was shot and killed Thursday morning while executing a search warrant connected to a series of shootings in the city, including one at the United States consulate earlier this year.
Officer Marc Pinizzotto, 43, was a member of the department's emergency task force. Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw confirmed at a press briefing that Pinizzotto was "shot in the line of duty while conducting a search warrant early this morning." He was transported to a local hospital, where he died.
According to ABC News, a 19-year-old suspect identified as Nicholas Bennett of Toronto will be charged with first-degree murder in connection with Pinizzotto's death. Bennett was shot by police during the incident and is currently in hospital receiving emergency medical treatment.
Five search warrants were executed Thursday in total. The investigation concerned a number of shootings, Demkiw said, including one at the U.S. consulate in Toronto on March 10.
In that March incident, witnesses saw two people emerge from a white Honda CR-V and discharge a handgun at the consulate before driving away. No one was injured. Officers who responded to a call at 5:29 a.m. found shell casings and damage to the building.
A second 19-year-old suspect in the consulate shooting remains at large. Demkiw identified that suspect as Zara Jabbi and warned that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
"I urge you to turn yourself in," Demkiw said, addressing Jabbi directly during the briefing.
Police did not share additional details about the circumstances of Pinizzotto's shooting.
