Woman assaulted near York University campus

Nov. 20, 2006. 05:01 PM
JOANNA SMITH
STAFF REPORTER

Toronto Police have issued a public safety alert after a weekend sexual assault near York University’s Keele campus.
A young woman told police that someone grabbed her from behind while she was walking in the Murray Ross Pkwy. and Sentinel Rd. area just south of the campus around 6 p.m. Saturday, police said.

The suspect put a gun to her head and dragged her between two houses where the alleged sexual assault took place, police said.

Police are searching for a clean-shaven man in his late 20s or early 30s, six feet tall, whose head was possibly shaved.

He was wearing a red T-shirt and black baseball cap at the time and was last seen running westward.

“We have stepped up security patrols both on foot and in vehicles,” York University spokesperson Richard Fisher said today, adding that security personnel patrol “slightly beyond” the perimeter of the campus.

Fisher said there were security patrols Saturday evening, “but we’ve stepped up the frequency now.”

The university has posted a statement online and around campus reminding students of the security services offered on campus.

Police ask anyone with information to call the Sex Crimes Unit at 416-808-7474 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or www.222tips.com.