Toronto police release image of man allegedly seen taking photos of students at east-end school
Toronto police have released a photo of a man suspected of taking pictures of students at an east-end elementary school and trying to lure them into his car.
Police said they received a call for a suspicious incident on Tuesday at Bowmore Road Jr. Public School, located south of Gerrard Street East and east of Coxwell Avenue.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
At around 1 p.m., three students were in the school yard for gym class when they saw a man across the street standing next to a vehicle with its door open, police said.
"The man was observed to be waving towards students in the school yard," they said, adding that he "appeared to be motioning towards the open car door."
Police said the man, who later left in a black, four-door sedan, might have also taken photos using his phone.
The make and the model of the vehicle are unknown. Police said the car was last observed heading east on Gerrard Street.
On Thursday, police issued a news release with a photo of the suspect in an effort to identify him. He is described as six feet tall with a heavy build, black hair, and a black beard.
The suspect was last seen wearing a black jacket or sweater and black pants.
They are asking anyone who can identify the suspect to contact them at 416-808-5500, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.222tips.com.
The school sent a letter to parents and guardians later that Tuesday informing them about the incident.
"A group of students reported the man to the office, and police were immediately called to investigate this incident," Principal Heather Groves wrote.
"The safety of our students remains our top priority at Bowmore Road. School staff regularly speak to students about how to stay safe. I want to emphasize to students, staff, and parents/guardians the importance of awareness even in our everyday routines."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most wanted fugitive in Canada arrested in Charlottetown, P.E.I.
The most wanted fugitive in Canada was arrested in Charlottetown, P.E.I., Tuesday night.
Poilievre unrepentant over calling Trudeau 'wacko' as his MPs say Speaker should resign
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he does not regret calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'wacko,' and now his MPs are renewing calls for the House of Commons Speaker to resign, this time over ordering the Official Opposition leader to leave the chamber.
Harvey Weinstein appears in court after his New York rape conviction was overturned
Harvey Weinstein was back in a New York courtroom Wednesday for his first appearance since an appeals court last week overturned his 2020 rape conviction and ordered a new trial.
Toddler of Phoenix first responder dies after bounce house goes airborne
A two-year-old child died after a strong gust of wind sent the bounce house he was in airborne and into a neighbouring lot in central Arizona, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office said.
Stranded cruise passengers in Spain race to catch up with their ship
A month after eight Norwegian Cruise Line passengers were stranded in Africa when their ship left without them because they were late getting back, a U.S. couple – ages 84 and 81 – were also left behind by the cruise line in Spain.
Dental care program starts accepting claims for 1 million seniors
The first seniors to register with the new federal dental care plan can now start submitting claims.
Wisconsin school district says active shooter 'neutralized' outside middle school
A Wisconsin school district said an active shooter was 'neutralized' outside a middle school in Mount Horeb on Wednesday, and no one inside the building was injured.
How can I tell if I have norovirus? Expert explains symptoms
The highly contagious norovirus is spreading across Canada, with some symptoms overlapping with other viruses. CTVNews.ca spoke with a health expert to find out how you can tell you have norovirus, the most common form of stomach flu, and what to do if you have it.
Blair says he couldn't sell cabinet on meeting 'magical threshold' of NATO target
Defence Minister Bill Blair says he couldn't convince the Liberal cabinet that Canada's government needed to meet NATO's spending target in its recent defence policy update.