‘Armed and dangerous’ suspect in Toronto police murder linked to U.S. Consulate shooting, police say

One suspect is facing a murder charge in the death of Toronto Police Service Const. Marc Pinizzotto while officers search for a second man, who is also linked to a shooting at the U.S. Consulate, investigators say.

Pinizzotto, 43, was shot on Thursday while conducting a search warrant in the area of Black Creek and Trethewey drives, Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw says. The 18-year veteran of the force was rushed to Sunnybrook Hospital where he died, leading to an outpouring of grief from the policing and hockey communities.

Police initially said an 18-year-old suspect was injured during the shootout, but in an update say the suspect is 19-years-old. Toronto police say Nicholas Bennett, 19, of Toronto, remains in hospital and is facing a charge of first-degree murder in connection with the death of Pinizzotto.

But a second suspect, who police say is “considered armed and dangerous” was still on the run as of Thursday evening.

Zara Jabbi, 19, is wanted both in connection with the firefight that killed Pinizzotto and a shooting at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto earlier this year.

No injuries were reported after police say two people pulled up in front of the downtown Toronto consulate in a white Honda CR-V around 4:30 a.m. on March 12 and shot at the building with a handgun before fleeing the scene.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the shooting an unacceptable act of violence and intimidation, while Prime Minister Mark Carney said the shots fired at the consulate were “a reprehensible act of violence” and expressed relief that no one was injured.

Police have released a picture of Jabbi and say anyone who sees the suspect shouldn’t approach him and call 911 immediately. Jabbi was a youth at the time this photograph was taken, and police say a court has authorized the publication of his identity temporarily to assist investigators in locating him.

Anyone with information about this incident can contact TPS by calling 416-808-2222. Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.