Mississauga, Richmond Hill sex assaults linked, police believe
Police are warning the public about two violent sexual assaults against women in Richmond Hill and Mississauga that investigators believe are linked.
York Regional Police released a re-enactment video on Friday of an assault that happened Nov. 13, 2014, in Richmond Hill. Police say just after 12:30 a.m., a young woman stepped off a transit bus at Yonge Street and Bernard Avenue.
After exiting the bus, she walked across Yonge towards Canyon Hill Avenue.
As she was walking along the sidewalk, a man came out of the bushes. He demanded money, grabbed her, held a knife to her neck and dragged her into a wooded area where she was sexually assaulted.
A similar attack happened Sept. 27, 2013, in the area of South Service Road and Crestview Avenue, in the city of Mississauga. The attack happened at about 12 a.m. shortly after the 37-year-old female victim had exited a transit bus. Police say a man produced a weapon, grabbed the victim and pulled her into a darkened area, where she was sexually assaulted.
"What concerns us is the violent nature of the attacks," York Regional Police Const. Andy Pattenden told CBC News. He said in the Richmond Hill assault the victim had to be treated in hospital.
Police describe the male suspect as:
- Of East Asian descent
- Five feet 10 inches to six feet tall
- Muscular build
- During the attacks the man had his face covered with a nylon
Police say the suspect appears to be targeting women with slight builds shortly after they exit transit vehicles after dark.
Police want to hear from anyone who may have experienced a similar attack that was not reported to police.
A tip line has been set up by the York Regional victims unit. Anyone with information on either incident is asked to call 1-866-876-5423, ext. 2400, or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com, or text your tip to CRIMES (274637) starting with the word YORK.
