TORONTO -- Police are asking the public for help in identifying a suspect who they believe may be responsible for multiple assaults in Toronto’s Roncesvalles neighbourhood.
The separate incidents occurred in the area of Roncesvalles and Howard Park avenues between May and July.
The first incident occurred on May 13 when a suspect approached a 50-year-old woman, allegedly assaulted her and fled on foot.
The second incident took place on July 20 when a suspect approached a 55-year-old man, allegedly assaulted him and fled the scene on foot.
A day later, police said that a suspect approached a 38-year-old woman, spit on her and fled the scene.
And just yesterday, a suspect approached a 36-year-old woman, “sprayed contents of a drink” on her and fled the scene on foot, police said.
The suspect is described by police as being 25 to 40 years of age, standing five-foot-eight to five-foot-10 with a thin to medium build and black hair.
Police say that the suspect was wearing a black baseball cap, a grey T-shirt and grey shorts at the time of the most recent incident.
"The individual seems to be targeting women in the area of Roncesvalles,” Toronto police Insp. Chris Boddy told CTV News Toronto. “The individual approaches them and sometimes sprays water on them or intimidates them, and then runs away.”
Police say their investigation is ongoing and that they are working to determine if the reported incidents are connected.
‘I had no warning, he didn't say anything’: Victim recalls random attack
Abigail Gamble was one of the victims and said she was out for a walk when the attack occurred.
“I heard someone running up behind me, they were running up really quickly,” Gamble told CTV News Toronto. “I turned to face them, and as I was halfway through turning to face them, he immediately punched me in the side.”
Gamble said her attacker eventually ran away after she yelled at him “very loudly.”
“More than anything it just makes me want to react, it makes me want to work with the community to make sure that this once again becomes a safe place for women.”
Residents in the area are holding a community safety meeting tonight in nearby Sorauren Park to “create connections” as well as to share notes and resources.
Anyone with information related to the string of assaults is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
