Police arrest final suspect in U.S. Consulate shooting in Toronto

Toronto Police say they have arrested the last of three suspects in connection with the U.S. Consulate shooting that took place in the city’s downtown in March.

The news comes just two days after police announced at a press conference that shooters for hire are believed to be behind attacks on synagogues and Jewish schools in the Toronto area, as well those at the U.S. Consulate on University Avenue, and GFL Environmental Inc. facilities and the home of at least one GFL executive.

On Thursday morning, Toronto Police Service announced it had arrested 19-year-old Zara Jabbi in connection with the consulate incident.

He has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, discharge of a restricted or prohibited firearm, attack on premises of internationally protected persons, possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized, and possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm. He will appear remotely at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on Thursday morning.

On March 10 at about 5:29 a.m., police responded to a call at the U.S. Consulate at 360 University Ave. It is alleged that a white Honda CR-V stopped in front of the Consulate and that two male suspects (Jabbi and Sheldon Tracey-Stewart) exited the vehicle and fired multiple rounds at the building before driving off.

Police found evidence consistent with a firearm discharge, including damage to the glass and doors of the building, as well as shell casings at the scene. People were inside the building at the time, but no injuries were reported. The shooting was treated as a national security incident.

Last week, five search warrants were executed in Toronto by the Toronto Police Service with the support of the RCMP. Two arrests were made — Tracey-Stewart, 18, and Nicholas Bennett, 19 — at separate locations.

However, during the arrest it is alleged that Bennett shot and killed Toronto Police Service Constable Marc Pinizzotto, a 43-year-old member of the Emergency Task Force. Bennett, who was wounded in the raid, will face a first-degree murder charge in connection with Pinizzotto’s death.

“This is an incredibly difficult moment for all of us,” Police Chief Myron Demkiw told reporters this week. “Marc’s family has lost a husband, a father and a son, and as a service, we’ve lost a colleague and a friend.”

• Shooters-for-hire scheme in U.S. consulate attack mirrors shootings at Jewish schools and synagogues
• Toronto boy, 12, charged with attempted murder after police officer injured in hit-and-run

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