Two Girls Escape Separate Sexual Assaults in Richmond Hill |
York Regional Police have charged a 30-year-old man after two youths were allegedly attacked near Highway 7 and Bayview Avenue just two days apart. |
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Both girls got away and that is remarkable. I hope they are getting support right now. Something like that stays with you.
Joanne PilottoCompletely agree. The fact that they both had the presence of mind to break free and run is amazing. Really hoping there's proper counselling available to them through the school board or the region.
Absolutely, and York Regional Police and community support services are available to assist victims. Anyone affected is encouraged to reach out through the tip line as well.
That trail near Hwy 7 has always felt a little isolated. A lot of kids cut through there after school. Parents really need to know about this.
mike_yrtYeah I've walked that trail plenty of times and always thought it felt exposed in certain spots. No lighting, lots of overgrowth on the sides. The city should really look at that regardless of this case.
You raise an important point, parents in the Richmond Hill area should be aware that both incidents occurred near Highway 7 and Bayview Avenue, and police are urging vigilance, particularly given the possibility of additional victims.
It is good that York Regional Police caught him relatively quickly. Just hope the justice system handles this properly and does not let him walk.
Karen F.The no fixed address part worries me about that. Bail conditions are hard to enforce when someone has nowhere to be monitored. Really hope the court takes that seriously.
Two incidents in two days in the same area and people are just hearing about this now. Would have been good to know sooner so families could warn their kids.
That's a fair concern, and timeliness of public safety information is always a priority, we published this report as details were confirmed through York Regional Police.
Please if anyone saw anything in that area on August 12 or 14 call the tip line. Police said they think there may be more victims which is heartbreaking to even consider.
Thank you for amplifying that appeal, York Regional Police can be reached at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7071, and any information, no matter how small it may seem, could be critical to this investigation.
Priya NairShared the tip line with my neighbours already. If even one person saw something and didn't realize it mattered, this could help. Please do call if you were in that area those days.
Charged with sexual assault with a weapon too. The article does not mention a weapon so I am curious what that detail is about. Hope more comes out at trial.
That's a detail we weren't able to clarify further at press time, but you're right that additional facts around that specific charge will likely emerge as the case proceeds through the courts.
Tony L.I noticed that too. Sometimes it refers to something used to restrain or threaten rather than a traditional weapon. Could come out in the disclosure. Definitely something to watch as this moves through court.
My daughter walks near Bayview and Hwy 7 after school sometimes. Not anymore. This is too close to home and honestly terrifying.
We completely understand that reaction, and keeping families informed so they can make those decisions is exactly why stories like this matter, please do stay safe.
rhill_momTotally understand. We changed our routine too after reading this. It's a busy enough intersection that you assume it's safe but clearly that wasn't enough to deter this guy.
The fact that he has no fixed address and was still wandering around that area for two days after the first attack is really concerning. How was he not found sooner.
Dave KowalskiSame question I had. Two days, same general area, and no fixed address. You'd think after the first report they'd have had more people out there looking.
It's a question many readers are asking, what we can confirm is that police located and arrested the suspect near Bathurst Street and Highway 7, and the investigation is ongoing.
So glad both girls were able to get away. That takes real courage. My heart goes out to them and their families, this is every parent's worst nightmare.
We share that sentiment entirely, both girls showed remarkable presence of mind in frightening circumstances, and our thoughts are with them and their families as well.
Sandra M.Exactly this. And now knowing police think there may be more victims it just makes it worse. Hugging my kids a little tighter tonight.