Sex crimes investigators are expected back in Thornhill again today, canvassing the neighbourhood in which a woman was violently attacked Thursday, York Regional Police said.
At about 12:30 a.m., a 20-year-old woman was followed for a short distance by a man near Hilda Avenue and Pinewood Drive, west of Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue.
The woman was grabbed, punched, pushed to the ground and sexually assaulted. The man also threatened her before running away, police said.
Along with the canvassing, investigators also hope to post bulletins in the area, said Det.-Sgt. Lynn Rooney, who oversees the sex assault bureau.
“If we’ve missed somebody on a canvass — because we have been down in that area, hitting the houses as well as the businesses — if anybody has any information, then we encourage them to get in touch with us,” Det.-Sgt. Rooney said Friday.
The woman’s attacker is described as an Asian male who speaks with an accent, 25 to 30 years old, five-feet, six-inches tall, 130 pounds with a thin build. He has short, dark hair, brown eyes and was clean shaven. At the time, he was wearing a dark sweater, jeans, a dark vest and a white baseball cap.
Police urge you to be aware of your surroundings and travel in pairs whenever possible. Also, travel in well lit and populated areas, carry a cellphone and don’t wear a headset when running or walking. If you see someone or something suspicious, call police.
If you have any information about this case, call police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7071, e-mail the sexual assault bureau at sab@yrp.ca, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or leave a tip at www.1800222tips.com