Police Issue Alert After Two Women Assaulted

Police are warning women living in the west end to be extra cautious after two females were assaulted within an hour of each other over the weekend.

Investigators believe the same individual may have been involved in both attacks – given that they occurred within an hour of each other and similarities in the suspect description provided by both victims.

The first incident occurred on Saturday at about 12:30am. A 21-year-old was walking home from a bus stop in the Bloor St. and Laurel Ave. area when a stranger reportedly grabbed her and assaulted her.

A car driving by at the time apparently frightened the assailant away, and police are now asking for the driver to contact them.

Less than an hour later, at about 1:20am, a 22-year-old was assaulted in the Burnhamthorpe Rd. and The West Mall area as she returned home.

The suspect’s description in both episodes is similar. He’s believed to be:

• White, in his 20s
• 5’8″ to 5’9″, with a thin build
• Short, blond spiked hair
• Wearing a dark-green or grey, hooded sweatshirt

Anyone with information should call the Toronto Police Sex Crimes Unit at 416-808-7474 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).

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Here are some tips on how women can stay safe and be alert:

• Be aware of your surroundings walk with purpose and confidence. Stay away from isolated spots like basements, empty laundry rooms, and parking lots.
• Don’t let drugs or alcohol cloud your judgment – recent trends like the use of Rohypnol and other so called date rape drugs are disturbing. Whether at a bar or house party, make arrangements with trusted friends to look out for each other, limit your beverage intake, only accept food or beverages from a trusted source and never leave that food or beverage unattended.
• Make sure your home is not an easy target for criminals.
• Take advantage of crime prevention programs in your area, like Neighbourhood Watch.
• If you come home and see a door ajar or a window broken, call the police immediately. NEVER enter the dwelling.
• Have a cell phone handy, and if you’re out at night, always make sure the batteries are fully charged.
• If you think you’re being followed, change directions and look for open stores, restaurants or a lighted home, flag down a taxi or police officer. Call the police as soon as possible.
• If you have car trouble raise the hood – this will bring official assistance. If a stranger stops to assist you, use caution. If concerned, get back in the car. Speak through a slightly lowered window and ask that person to get assistance for you.
• Above all, trust your gut feeling. If your instincts tell you that another person’s actions are threatening or an environment is unsafe, then leave immediately. If you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, remove yourself.

Courtesy of the Ottawa Police Service