York Regional Police have stepped up patrols and investigators will have a large presence in the area of the Nokiidaa Trail where a teen girl was assaulted just before noon on Monday, not far from Aurora’s Town Hall.
Over the next few days, York police officers will be riding the trail system on ATVs and surveying the area using police helicopters, while investigators continue to canvas the surrounding area to obtain video and other evidence.
Police today released a composite sketch of the suspect believed to have hit a teen girl with a handgun before sexually assaulting her on the trail system that links the communities of Aurora, Newmarket and East Gwillimbury along the East Holland River.
The suspect is described as a male in his 20s, with a light-brown or tanned skin tone, and a thin build. He was wearing a black shirt and pants, and had on a red baseball cap.
As a helicopter circled in the sky above the York police mobile command post set up at the Aurora Sports Dome today, Det. Sgt. Simon James said significant resources are being put toward the investigation, which he called “concerning” given that the offence took place on a well-travelled trail during the day.
Don’t want to miss any local news? Sign up for our daily headlines email
James said the young victim was walking on the trail at about 11:50 a.m. toward the town hall when she was approached by a male, who tried to briefly engage her in conversation. The victim continued to walk and shortly after that was assaulted and sexually assaulted, he said.
It's not known in what direction the suspect fled on foot.
“We believe the individual was armed with a handgun and the victim did sustain some minor injuries as a result of the attack,” James said, adding that multiple victim services are assisting the girl and she is recovering from her injuries.
“She was able to get assistance from employees at the town offices in Aurora. They contacted police and EMS.”
York police would like to speak to a jogger they believe may have interacted with the victim shortly after the offence occurred.
The jogger is described as a male in his 50s, of Asian descent.
While James said the public has been “very supportive” and investigators have already obtained surveillance video, York police ask anyone who may have seen something suspicious between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the area around John West Way, north of Wellington Street, and vicinity, to contact police immediately.
The Nokiidaa Trail passes through town parks, green spaces and wetlands, with numerous links to other community landmarks that include town halls.
Police are interested in hearing from citizens who may have dashcam or surveillance video.
“It’s very important for our investigators,” James said.
Investigators urge anyone who may recognize the suspect to contact police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police special victims unit - sexual assault section at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7071, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the June 21 report of the sexual assault of a teen girl in the Yonge Street and Savage Road area of Newmarket has been closed, Det. Sgt. James told NewmarketToday.
“We are not looking for a suspect in that case and there have been no charges. The case has been closed,” he said.
