TORONTO – Toronto Police are searching for a man who reportedly broke into the home of a woman who was asleep early on Sunday morning, sexually assaulting her before fleeing the scene.
The alleged assault happened at around 6 o’clock on Sunday morning in the area of College Street and Ossington Avenue. Police have released a sketch of the suspect, pictured above.
The man is described as white, standing between 5’8″ to 5’11″, with a slim build. He’s believed to be in his 30s to 40s, and his hair is described as balding on top with dark brown or black hair on the side of the head. He also has a beard.
The suspect was wearing a hooded sweater with a white hood. The front of the sweater had a black and colourful design. Additionally, he wore skinny black jeans and white or light-coloured shoes.
Police are reminding women to make sure doors and windows are locked in their homes and to be on the lookout for a suspect who matches the description.
Women React to Police Messaging about Assault
Following the assault women in the city are calling for more action and questioning where they can be safe, if not in their own homes.
“Used to live in that area and going home at night was always scary,” commented one woman.
“I used to live in this area with friends – one night walking home my friend was attacked and almost assaulted but she got away,” another user posted online.
While others are drawing parallels between this, and other assaults reported in Toronto.
“This reminds me of the Roncesville assaults. Did they ever get him?” asked one viewer.
“This happened on my street. It was a house next to an alleyway and he went through [the] basement window apparently took off the screen and window [was] unlocked,” someone else posted.
Meanwhile, many women are frustrated with the police’s messaging in response to this situation.
“Police are advising women who live in the area…to be careful’ What the f**k are we supposed to do? We’re not even safe in our own homes,” said one woman on TikTok.
“Always warning women to be careful and not requesting men to stop attacking women,” said another.
“Except that telling them to stop won’t do anything. They already know it’s wrong. No choice but to defend ourselves,” someone else pointed out in response.
While others expressed similar sentiments.
“Did they really just advise people to be careful?? She was sleeping in her bed in her home!! We supposed to be careful while asleep at home??“
“She was in her home and the action taken is telling women to be vigilant but what’s being done to stop men from doing this?”
Toronto Police are Investigating
The News You Can Use team reached out to Toronto Police Services for more information on this case, and police have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.
“Toronto Police would like to remind the public to be vigilant and to make sure that all doors and windows are secured in their homes,” police said in a statement to News You Can Use.
“We are seeking video footage between the hours of 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Sunday, November 6th, 2022. Residents or business owners in the area can upload footage directly to a secure Toronto Police server for review by an investigator,” the statement continues.
The News You Can Use team will continue to follow this story as the police investigation continues.
