Man, 19, to be charged with murder after Toronto officer killed in North York raid connected to U.S. Consulate attack
Posted Jun 11, 2026 06:57:51 AM.
Last Updated Jun 11, 2026 08:55:34 PM.
A 19-year-old man is facing a first-degree murder charge after a 43-year-old Toronto police officer was shot and killed during an early‑morning warrant operation in North York on Thursday.
The incident unfolded around 5:42 a.m. at an apartment complex on Martha Eaton Way, in the area of Trethewey Drive and Black Creek Drive, where officers were executing a “high-risk” search warrant.
Police said there was an exchange of gunfire inside a unit on the building’s fourth floor, during which a suspect and an officer were struck. The injured officer was rushed to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre by paramedics and was later pronounced dead.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said the slain Emergency Task Force (ETF) officer, identified as Const. Marc Pinizzotto, was an 18-year member of the police force.
“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.”
In a statement released Thursday afternoon, investigators identified Nicholas Bennett, 19, as the man shot in the incident, adding that he will be charged with murder in the death of Pinizzotto.
A second 19-year-old, identified as Zara Jabbi, is outstanding and wanted as part of the investigation into the March shooting at the U.S. Consulate in downtown Toronto. Officers said he should be considered “armed and dangerous.”
“I urge you to turn yourself in,” said Demkiw.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which invoked its mandate, said one of the suspects discharged his firearm 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 after Pinizzotto was shot, a second officer discharged his firearm and struck the suspect. There were four people inside the apartment unit at the time of the police raid, Hudon added.
Same building where 8‑year‑old JahVai Roy was killed by stray bullet
Thursday’s shooting occurred at the same North York residential complex where 8-year-old JahVai Roy was killed on Aug. 26, 2025, when a stray round pierced his family’s apartment during a gunfire exchange outside.
“I am very worried that these kinds of things are happening in this neighbourhood,” one resident told CityNews on Thursday.
“I heard a big bang, and my dog reacted. I was going to take my dog for a walk, but was told to stay in my apartment,” said another building resident.
The death marks the second police fatality in Ontario this week. On Tuesday, OPP Const. Tarun Bali was killed in Hearst, Ont., after being struck by a vehicle during an investigation. An 18‑year‑old man has been charged with first‑degree murder in that case.
“There are no words that can ease the pain of the family, the loved ones and the colleagues across the service,” said Mayor Olivia Chow, who remarked that she was a friend of the Pinizzotto family for 20-plus years.
“Their grief is shared across this entire city… We are grateful for all who serve and continue to stand with those who keep our community safe. We honour their courage, their sacrifice and their dedication,” Chow said.
Prime Minister Mark Carney commented on the deaths of the two officers, saying the two men “dedicated their lives to protecting their communities.”
“This morning, a Toronto Police Officer, Constable Marc Pinizzotto, was killed in the line of duty. This tragedy follows the death of OPP Constable Tarun Bali on Tuesday,” Carney wrote on X. “Canada mourns the loss of these brave officers… My prayers are with their loved ones, their fellow officers, and their communities in this time of grief.”
The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) issued a statement on Pinizzotto’s passing. The 43-year-old played four seasons with the Oakville Blades of the OJHL between 1999 and 2003.
“The Ontario Junior Hockey League is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former OJHL player Marc Pinizzotto, who lost his life in the line of duty while serving and protecting his community,” read the statement.
“On behalf of the OJHL Board of Governors, member teams, players, coaches, alumni, and staff, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Marc’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives were touched by his remarkable dedication and service.”
