Toronto police have issued a public safety alert about a man released on bail who is accused of threatening to cause bodily harm to a child.
Officers arrested and charged 24-year-old Thomas Edward Gernon on Tuesday for an alleged threat on a child, which police say was sexual in nature.
Gernon appeared at the Old City Hall courts on Wednesday and was released on bail.
His bail conditions forbid him from:
- Being in the company of, or engaging in any activity with, any child under the age of 14
- Attending any public park, day-care centre, playground, community centre or other location where children are known to frequent
Police believe the accused is a high risk to re-offend. They say the alleged incident took place in the Jane and Dundas Streets area.
Students at the nearby Humbercrest Public School were sent home with a letter warning parents of the suspect.
Gernon is described as:
- White
- Blue eyes
- Brown hair
- 5-foot-8
- 220 pounds
- Occasionally wears glasses
The accused has access to a red 1998 four-door Chevrolet Cavalier, with Ontario licence plate BBK X774.
Anyone who sees Gernon in breach of his bail conditions is asked to call police or contact Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.222tips.com.
Gernon's next court appearance is Wednesday.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Roger Petersen
