Police services across Ontario, including the Chatham-Kent Police Service, are mourning the death of Toronto Police Service Const. Marc Pinizzotto, who was killed in the line of duty on June 11.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw confirmed the 43-year-old officer was shot while members of the Emergency Task Force were executing a search warrant early Thursday in the area of Black Creek Drive and Trethewey Drive.
Pinizzotto received emergency care at the scene from Toronto Tactical Paramedics and was transported to hospital, where he later died despite what Demkiw described as heroic efforts by medical staff.
“Marc served the Toronto Police Service for 18 years, including 5 years as a specially trained Emergency Task Force unit member,” Demkiw said during a media briefing.
Demkiw said he and Toronto Police Association president Clayton Campbell met with Pinizzotto’s family at the hospital to deliver the news.
“This loss will have a profound impact on the Toronto Police Family,” Demkiw said. “Our Service, our members, and all members of the larger policing family are deeply saddened.”
The investigation that led to the search warrant was connected to several shootings, including a shooting at the United States Consulate on University Avenue, police said.
Later Thursday, Toronto police announced that Nicholas Bennett, 19, of Toronto, would be charged with first-degree murder in connection with Pinizzotto’s death. Police said Bennett was shot by officers during the incident and remains in hospital.
Investigators are also seeking a second suspect, identified as Zara Jabbi, 19, who is wanted in connection with the March shooting at the U.S. Consulate. Police described Jabbi as armed and dangerous and urged the public not to approach him, but to call 911 immediately if he is seen.
In a statement, the Chatham-Kent Police Service extended its condolences to Pinizzotto’s family, friends and colleagues.
“We are deeply saddened by the line-of-duty death of Toronto Police Service Constable Marc Pinizzotto, who died on June 11, 2026,” the service said. “On behalf of the Chatham-Kent Police Service, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. We stand with the Toronto Police Service and the policing community as we honour his service and sacrifice.”
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
