Police investigate string of break-ins, sex assaults & indecent acts in Mississauga
Posted September 3, 2014 1:55 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Peel regional police are searching for a suspect in connection with a series of break-ins, performing indecent acts, and committing sexual assaults.
Police said five incidents occurred between July 23 and Sept. 2, in which the suspect allegedly tried or gained access into the residences.
The most recent case occurred at around 1 a.m. on Tuesday on Forestwood Drive in Mississauga, near Erindale Station Road and Dundas Street West.
Police said a woman was sleeping in her bedroom, located on the main floor, when she woke up and found a man had broken into her home. Police said the suspect was involved in an indecent act, before allegedly sexually assaulting her. He fled away on foot.
Investigators have released a description of the suspect. He’s described as a dark-skinned male, six-feet two-inches tall, and clean shaven. He was wearing a black hoodie, dark grey pants with a double-white stripe down either side and a scarf covering his face.
Police said the five incidents occurred after midnight, mostly occurring in southern Mississauga. Police believe the cases are connected based on the vicinity, actions and suspect descriptions.
In each case, the suspect tried to gain entry by looking for unlocked windows, doors, and patio doors.
Two incidents occurred near Cawthra Road and Lake Shore Boulevard, but police wouldn’t divulge the street names. In both cases — July 23 and Aug. 27 — the suspect did not break into the home but was spotted outside by the homeowner performing indecent acts.
Three other occurrences took place in the Forestwood area. Police said on Aug. 20, a man was allegedly on a woman’s outdoor property performing an incident act.
On Sept. 2, in a attempted break-in, a suspect was spotted by the homeowner performing an indecent act. Also, on that same day, police said a suspect allegedly broke into a residence, committed an indecent act and then sexually assaulted a woman.
The case has now been assigned to Peel police’s special victims unit, and will be canvassing the neighbourhoods on Wednesday.
Toronto police said a preliminary investigation suggests the cases in Mississauga are not linked to the string of break-ins in Etobicoke, but have not completely ruled it out.
Police are reminding residents to keep their windows and doors securely locked at all times, and to keep their curtains and blinds closed while sleeping. Residents are also advised to keep a cell phone or house phone handy, and to report any suspicious or unusual activity to police.
Anyone with information is being asked to call Peel police at (905) 453-2121 (ext. 3460), anonymously to Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca, or by sending a text message to CRIMES (274637) with the word PEEL and then your tip.
