A man accused of running over a Toronto police officer is expected to continue testifying

TORONTO – A man accused of robbing a Toronto police officer nearly three years ago is expected to continue testifying in court today.

Umar Zamir has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the death of Det. Const. Jeffrey Northrup died on July 2, 2021 after being hit by a car in an underground parking lot.

During his first appearance on the stand Tuesday, Zamir described the events that led to his encounter with police that night.

He recalled coming to downtown Toronto with his pregnant wife and young son because they wanted to take part in the Canada Day festivities.

The court heard earlier that Northrup and his partner – both dressed in plain clothes – were investigating the stabbing when they entered a garage below Toronto City Hall. Zamir was not involved in the stabbing.

Crown prosecutors say Zamir chose to make a series of maneuvers with his car that led to Northrup's death, but the defense says the officer's death was a tragic accident.

Defense attorneys said neither Zamir nor his wife knew the men who approached them in the vacant garage were police officers.

This Canadian Press report was first published on April 11, 2024.

Canadian Press