Policing Family Mourns Loss of Constable Marc Pinizzotto

Toronto Police Service members are mourning the loss of Constable Marc Pinizzotto, 43, who died in the line of duty on June 11 while on a search warrant as a member of the Emergency Task Force (ETF).

“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,” Chief Myron Demkiw said at a media conference outside Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. “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. It goes without saying that this is devastating news for his colleagues at the ETF Unit, many of whom have been here throughout the morning. We are doing everything we can to support them at this difficult time.”

Chief Demkiw said the investigation that led to the search warrant was connected to a series of shootings, including the shooting at the United States Consulate on University Avenue in March. Several search warrants were executed as part of the operation.

He also advised that one suspect remains outstanding.

“It is important to note that there is one outstanding suspect,” said Demkiw. “He is identified as Zara Jabbi, 19 years of age. I urge you to turn yourself in.”

He thanked the community for its support and acknowledged the outpouring of condolences received by members of the Service.

“The strength, character, and resilience of our members, and the entire policing family, is needed now more than ever,” Demkiw said. “We will lean on each other as we navigate our way through this devastating tragedy. A hero in life, not death.”

Demkiw, Deputy Chief Frank Barredo and Toronto Police Association President Clayton Campbell met with Constable Pinizzotto’s family at the hospital to deliver the heartbreaking news.

“Marc was a valued member of our Emergency Task Force,” said Campbell. “He was with his team this morning conducting a high-risk takedown when he was fatally shot. He leaves behind a devastated family. I want to ask everybody for their support right now. We need it. When most people are safely at home in bed, this officer left his family to make the city a safer place. He deserved to go home to them. Our members put their lives on the line every day and it is a tragedy that Marc did not return home safely to his family.”

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also expressed condolences on behalf of the city.

“The death of any police officer is heartbreaking news for the city,” said Mayor Chow. “There are no words that can ease the pain of the family, his loved ones and his colleagues across the Service. They are very much in our thoughts as they face this profound loss. Police officers go to work every day knowing the risk and putting themselves in harm’s way to protect others. Today is a devastating reminder of that sacrifice.”

Pinizzotto served with the Toronto Police Service for 18 years and had been an ETF member the past five years.

He is the first Toronto Police officer to die in the line of duty since Constable Andrew Hong, who was fatally ambushed in September 2022.