Toronto police are looking for help in identifying a possible suspect and person of interest in connection with a sexual assault investigation in the King Street West area.
Police say they have a report that a man sexually assaulted a woman at a nightclub in the King and Brant Streets area on Jan. 22.
They allege the suspect administered a date rape drug before attacking his victim, a woman in her 40s.
"One of the men interacts with the victim, and we're suggesting that a date-rape drug was used. And after a very short interaction, she was sexually assaulted," Det. Const. Mike Norman told reporters. "
"The suspect is described as being 5'6"-5'11", between 160-180 pounds. He was last seen wearing thick, dark-rimmed glasses, scarf, blazer and light-coloured slacks," police said Friday in a news release.
There is a second man with the suspect, who was also wearing a blazer at the time. He is described as a person of interest.
Police released some security camera video of the two men. Norman wouldn't identify the club, saying it has been very co-operative and he didn't want it to be stigmatized.
Women interviewed in the bar district by CTV Toronto say they find news of this assault to be disturbing but not surprising. One said the drugs have been administered to friends of hers.
They say one has to be cautious when out at the clubs and not leave drinks unattended. Ontario changed the law allowing patrons to take their drinks into washrooms to protect against date-rape drugs.
If someone is given the drug, they need medical attention and a toxicology screen, police say.
They ask anyone with information about the incident to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).
With a report from CTV Toronto's Dana Levenson
