Sex assault near school prompts police warning

The grounds of Bedford Park Junior Public School are being investigated as a crime scene after a 20-year-old woman was sexually assaulted there.

The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday, March 20 as the woman was heading home. After getting off at the Yonge St. TTC stop, she made her way along Lawrence Ave. but was attacked from behind by the suspect as she approached Leith Ave. He threatened her with a gun and forced her towards the northern grounds of the nearby elementary school.

Investigators were scouting the area for DNA evidence. Unfortunately, the school is one of the few in the city that do not have security cameras monitoring their grounds.

Police have issued a public warning to residents living in the area, cautioning them to be extra vigilant when walking alone. Detective Joanne Verbeek, of the sex crimes unit, said it’s quite likely the predator lives in our community.

“At that time of night and he’s there…it certainly is possible that he lives around there,” she said.

Police are investigating the possibility the suspect could be linked to other sexual assaults in the GTA, but Verbeek said no connection has been made so far. However, she’s not ruling out the possibility that the predator might strike again.

“It was an opportunity crime,” she said. “If the opportunity presents itself again, then he just might strike again.”

Police have not released a composite sketch of the suspect, but are describing him as a black male, around 18 – 25 years old, 5-foot-8, with a slim build. He was wearing a black baseball cap and a black hooded three-quarter-length winter coat. The hood of his jacket was over his baseball cap. The victim also noticed her attacker was wearing blue baggy jeans with a black leather belt around his waist.

Anyone who can help shed light on the investigation is being urged to call the sex crimes unit at 416-808-7467 or if they wish to leave a tip anonymously, to contact Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS.