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Woman sexually assaulted in Vaughan store

UPDATE: York Regional Police has arrested a suspect wanted in connection with the Feb. 21 incident
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York Regional Police file photo

UPDATE, March 2, 5:30 p.m.: A suspect wanted in connection with the sexual assault of woman in Vaughan has been arrested, York Regional Police report.

Published images of the suspect have been removed as the person arrested is a youth, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

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NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit – Sexual Assault Section are releasing photos and seeking public assistance in identifying a suspect after a sexual assault occurred at a store in the City of Vaughan.

On Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, around 11:30 a.m., the suspect entered a store in the area of Steeles Avenue West and Hilda Avenue. After spending a few minutes walking around, he approached a woman from behind and sexually assaulted her. The victim called for help and the suspect fled the store on foot
and was last seen travelling west.

The victim was not physically harmed in this assault.

Investigators are releasing images of the suspect. He is described as male, South Asian with a dark complexion, aged in his early 20s, with a heavy build, round facial features, with short dark hair and a faint moustache. He wore a blue winter jacket with a fur-lined hood, black track pants with white stripes down the side, white socks and dark-coloured sneakers with white soles. He carried a small, cooler-style lunch bag.

Investigators urge anyone who recognizes this person to contact police.

Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit – Sexual Assault Section at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7071, or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online.

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