Masked man armed with knives charged for assaulting woman in Toronto

Toronto police have arrested and charged a man allegedly involved in the criminal harassment and assault of a woman in the city’s downtown core.

On Sunday, May 7, officers received multiple calls in the Bloor Street West and Palmerston Avenue area for various victims being followed and assaulted.

It’s alleged that at approximately 10 p.m., two women were walking together when they noticed a man they believed to be following them. Police said the man was dressed in all black, including a black ski mask.

The two women crossed the road to distance themselves from the man, but he followed them. They ran away screaming, and police said neighbours came out to see what was happening.

The commotion caused the man to stop his pursuit and run away.

Man pursued, attacked another woman in Toronto: Police

That same night, police said the male suspect followed another woman in the Bloor Street West and Bathurst Street area toward Markham Street.

It’s alleged that the man approached the woman from behind and began punching her in the face. He threw the victim to the ground, and the assault continued before passersby noticed the incident, leading to the man fleeing the area on foot.

Police located the man a short time later, and during his arrest, they discovered he had knives and tools believed to be intended for break and enters.

The suspect was identified as 34-year-old Olayiwola Adeyemi of Toronto. He’s facing several charges, including three counts of harassment by repeated following of another person, two counts of having a face mask and disguise and assault causing bodily harm.

He’s also been charged with possessing a prohibited, restricted weapon or prohibited device, possessing a break-in instrument and failing to comply with a release order. Adeyemi will appear in court at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

Police believe there may be more victims, and thanked the public for their assistance in apprehending the suspect.