A string of sex assaults in Newmarket has led police to release a composite sketch of a man they believe may be connected to the case.
Police say three young women have come forward since Aug. 31 to complain of a stranger grabbing their face and attempting to kiss them.
The first incident happened while a 21-year-old woman was waiting at a bus stop at Yonge Street and London Road. After she struggled with the stranger, he ran away, heading east on London Road.
That woman came forward after the media publicized similar incidents in the following weeks.
On Sept. 30 at 2:25 p.m., a 16-year-old female was walking in the area of Doubletree Lane and Austin Paul Drive when she was approached by someone who grabbed her face and attempted to kiss her. She managed to break free and escaped injury. In that case, the suspect was spotted leaving the area in a grey or silver four-door vehicle that was parked nearby.
The most recent incident reported to police happened on Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. A 20-year-old woman told police she was attacked while walking in the area of Mulock Drive and Doubletree Lane. The suspect approached her from behind, police said, grabbing her face and kissing her. He let go of her and fled the area on foot.
Police in Newmarket have been examining another string of sex assaults that have been taking place over the last few months in the northern part of town near Upper Canada Mall but police said in a news release Thursday that they don’t believe that the two investigations are connected.
The composite sketch of the suspect shows a man with an olive complexion, short black hair and is clean shaven. Police say he is about five-foot-ten with a stocky build and broad shoulders with a round, chubby face. They believe he is between the ages of 20 and 30 years old.
They have also released a photo of a vehicle they believe is connected to the case.
The vehicle is an older model compact sedan, possibly a Toyota, Honda or Mazda that is light grey or silver. There may be some damage on the car.
Police are asking anyone who has information to call the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit at 1-866-876-5423. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
