Christie Pits sex assaults linked: cops

[attach]6423[/attach]Police are investigating as many as 10 sex assaults that could be linked to one suspect.

Dating back to early July, most of the incidents have taken place on the streets near Christie Pits Park, though the first two occurred near Kensington Market downtown.

Det. Const. Phil Campbell with the Sex Crimes Unit said during a press conference at Christie Pits Park that even though the suspect descriptions have some variance from case to case, there are common links between the attacks.

“The assaults were similar in nature,” he said. “The females were walking alone, were approached from behind and were sexually assaulted.”

Campbell also said police have increased patrols in the area, in terms of both uniformed officers and plainclothes officers, as well as put more resources into the investigation itself.

“We’ve raised the bar on this one,” he said.

The first two assaults being investigated occurred on July 4 and 6, the first near Spadina and College, and the other in a parkette near Augusta Avenue.

The next eight incidents have taken place near Christie Pits between Aug. 19 and Aug. 29 and always between 8:30 p.m. and 12:55 a.m.

All victims have been between the ages of 16 and 27.

Three of the assaults took place near Bloor and Grace, two near Bloor and Crawford, and one each at Bloor and Clinton, Bloor and Christie, and Barton and Euclid.

In all cases, the suspect fled when the victim screamed or fought him off.

Campbell advised women in the area should remain vigilant.

“If they feel suspicious, if they feel something isn’t right, call 911,” he said.