OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — A member of the Toronto police force was fatally shot Thursday while investigating the March shooting incident that caused damage to the U.S. Consulate building in the Canadian city, authorities announced.
Police Chief Myron Demkiw confirmed during a press briefing that one 19-year-old suspect remains hospitalized in critical condition, while law enforcement continues searching for a second suspect, 19-year-old Zara Jabbi, who is believed to be armed and dangerous. “I urge you to turn yourself in,” Demkiw stated.
The fallen officer, Marc Pinizotto, age 43 with 18 years of service, succumbed to his injuries at a medical facility, according to Demkiw.
Authorities had reported in March that two people exited a white Honda RV SUV around 4:30 a.m. and discharged several rounds at the consulate structure before escaping. The March incident caused exterior damage to the building without harming anyone inside.
The consulate incident occurred amid rising tensions following the conflict initiated by the U.S. and Israel against Iran in late February, and came after shooting incidents at two synagogues in the Toronto area during the prior weekend.
The probe that resulted in Pinizotto’s death “concerned a number of shootings, including the shooting at the United States consulate on University Avenue. There were several search warrants executed this morning,” Demkiw explained.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow revealed she has maintained a friendship with the fallen officer’s mother for two decades. “Their grief is shared across this city,” Chow stated.
The shooting occurred during early morning hours inside an apartment, according to Monica Hudon from Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit, which examines police-involved incidents resulting in death. The suspect fired first, Hudon confirmed.
