Police warn of possible sex offender
Toronto police are warning residents of a potential sex offender in the Bathurst Street and St. Clair area after a man was spotted trying to gain entry to a number of homes in recent days.
Police said the first incident took place at about 10:30 p.m. ET Saturday night when police responded to a call of a suspicious person in the area of Bathurst Street and Claxton Avenue.
According to police, a man cut the window screen of a woman's ground-floor apartment and tried to gain entry.
Less than 24 hours later, police responded to another call of a suspicious person in the area of Spadina Road and Delavan Avenue. In that incident, a man was found looking in the window of a woman's home.
Toronto Police Det. Sgt. Savas Kyriacou told CBC News that there have been a total of five such incidents in the same general area within a week.
"These incidents are similar in nature as far as timing and description of the possible suspect," said Kyriacou.
He said police are asking residents in the area to be vigilant in watching for suspicious activity, particularly looking for anyone prowling through backyards in the area.
"We believe this person may be acting out a sexual deviance," said Kyriacou.
"All we want residents to do is be aware of their surroundings. If anyone sees anyone acting suspiciously, call 911 right away."
The man is described as East Asian, about five foot seven inches tall. Police say he has a stocky build, is clean shaven and has straight black hair. He was wearing thin, silver wire-framed glasses, a dark puffy winter jacket, dark pants and dark running shoes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1300, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
