Officers on patrol arrest Vaughan sex assault suspect

A man wanted for two sex assaults in Vaughan was arrested on Thursday after “keen-eyed” patrol officers recognized him, police say.

York Regional Police issued a news release earlier on Thursday which said that a suspect was wanted after two sexual assaults in Vaughan, both of which happened at bus stops.

Police said the first incident happened on March 27 at a bus shelter located at Fishermens Way and Edgeley Boulevard, which is at Vaughan Mills.

Police said between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., a 17-year-old girl was sitting on a bench when she was “inappropriately touched” by a male suspect who sat down beside her.

Get daily National news

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories.

Sign up for daily National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Then on April 10 at 2:55 p.m., a 23-year-old woman was sitting on a bench at a bus shelter located at Weston and Rutherford roads, which isn’t far from the first alleged incident, police said.

The victim was allegedly “inappropriately touched” by a male suspect as he walked by.

At 10:45 p.m. on Thursday, patrol officers who were at a transit station in the Millway Avenue and Apple Mill Road area recognized the suspect as he walked in the area, police said.

A 24-year-old Vaughan man was arrested and charged with two counts of sexual assault.

“The accused is considered a vulnerable person and as a result we will not be releasing his name at this time,” police said.

He was held for a bail hearing.

Police said there may be other victims and witnesses who have not yet come forward. Investigators are asking that anyone with information contact police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.