TORONTO — A Toronto police officer was killed Thursday morning during a high-risk raid connected to the March shooting at the U.S. Consulate, prompting a massive manhunt for an armed suspect and leaving the city's police service in mourning.Toronto police identified the fallen officer as Const. Marc Pinizzotto, 43, a member of the Emergency Task Force and an 18-year veteran of the service.Pinizzotto was shot during an exchange of gunfire while officers executed one of five coordinated high-risk search warrants at an apartment building near Tretheway Drive and Black Creek Drive at approximately 5:42 a.m."The investigation that led to the search warrant where Marc was killed is related to a shooting at the United States consulate," Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw told the Toronto Sun..Police said the operation was part of an ongoing investigation stemming from the March shooting at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto.One suspect was critically injured during the gunfight and remains in hospital under police guard. Authorities have identified him as Nicholas Bennett, 19, of Toronto. Police say he will be charged with first-degree murder in connection with Pinizzotto's death.A second suspect, Zara Jabbi, 19, remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. Police say Jabbi is wanted in connection with the U.S. Consulate shooting and is now the subject of an intensive search."I would ask anyone that would see him to call 9-1-1 immediately," Demkiw said.A court has authorized Toronto police to publicly identify Jabbi and distribute his photograph for five days to assist investigators. That authorization expires June 15..Toronto Police Association president Clayton Campbell paid tribute to the slain officer."Marc was a valued member of our Emergency Task Force who died in a high-risk takedown," Campbell told the Sun. "He leaves behind a devastated family."Mayor Olivia Chow described the officer's death as a tragedy for the city."It is heartbreaking news for the city," Chow said."I happen to know Pinizzotto's mom very well for 20 years. Their grief is shared across the city. We are grateful to all who serve and honour their sacrifice."Earlier in the day, U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra publicly confirmed the officer's death while speaking at an unrelated trade conference.."Our thoughts, our prayers are with the family of the police person who was killed," Hoekstra said.The province's Special Investigations Unit has invoked its mandate and is investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The civilian watchdog automatically investigates incidents involving police and civilians that result in serious injury or death.The death of Pinizzotto marks one of the most significant losses suffered by the Toronto Police Service in recent years and has generated an outpouring of support from officers, elected officials and members of the public.Police say the investigation remains active and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
