Two police forces in the greater Toronto area are searching for a man they believe assaulted a woman in Markham and robbed another woman in Scarborough in early February.
York Regional Police and Toronto Police Service are asking the public for help in identifying the man and say there is a connection between the incidents in Markham on February 1 and Scarborough the next day.
Police have released images and two videos of the suspect.
According to York Police, a woman was walking down an alleyway from McCowan Road towards Woodhall Road between 8pm and 8:30pm on Wednesday 1 February when a man grabbed her and dragged her between two houses.
A person with a dog walked by and motion sensors were activated, prompting the man to flee.
CLOCK | Suspect walks between two fences:
In a press release Thursday, York Police said they believe the same man took the TTC to Scarborough town center that evening. They said they were concerned he may have followed other women before the attack.
York Police investigators said they are urging anyone who knows, has seen or been in contact with him to contact police.
In the Markham incident, the man is described as being 5’7″ of medium build and wearing a green coat, hat, black gloves and camouflage pants.
“The suspect is urged to contact legal counsel and turn himself in,” York Police said in the release.
CLOCK | Suspect goes to a mall:
According to Toronto Police, a woman was walking alone in the area of Brimley Road and Lawrence Avenue East around 12:10 am on Thursday, February 2 when a man approached her from behind, choked her and stole her cell phone .
In the Scarborough incident, the man is described as 1.70m and of medium build, wearing a dark coat, hat, gloves and light colored trousers.
Anyone with information is urged to contact 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7071, Toronto Police Department at 416-808-4300 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
