NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE POLICE
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Two Sexual Groping Incidents Being Investigated by Police
September 22nd, 2016 - Police & the Community
Detectives with the Barrie Police Service Criminal Investigative Division are seeking the public’s assistance to identify a suspect wanted in connection with two sexual assaults in Barrie Tuesday.
The first incident occurred on Tuesday, September 20th, 2016 at approximately 1:40 pm near Toronto Street and Sophia Street. A female was approached by the suspect who grabbed her; groping her in a sexual nature as she passed on the sidewalk. He quickly fled on foot and could not be located upon police arrival. The second incident occurred just before 10:00 pm, on the same date, in the area of Browning Trail and Fox Run. Again the suspect grabbed the female and groped her before fleeing from the ally way. Neither victim was physically injured in either incident.
The description of the male in the first incident:
- Male, white
- Approximately 25-years-old
- 140-150lbs, thin build
- Black hair with receding hairline and large forehead
- Last seen wearing khaki green hooded sweater, camo cargo pants and running shoes
The description of the male in the second incident:
- Male, white
- 5’8” – 6’0”, thin build
- Full beard, trimmed
- Short brown hair
- Last seen wearing a ball cap (unknown colour), short sleeve shirt (unknown colour) and running shoes
At this time Detectives are handling this as a parallel investigation. There are similarities in the description of the suspect and the events of the incidents but it is still unclear if they are connected.
Barrie Police Service wants to remind residents to always be aware of your surroundings. If you observe someone acting suspiciously, trust your instincts, move to a safe location and seek help. Call the police as soon as possible. If you are the victim of a sexual assault, call police immediately.
Police are continuing their investigation at this time and wish for anyone who may have information to please contact Barrie Police Service Criminal Investigative Division at 705-725-7025 ext. 2901. Any information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or leave an anonymous tip online at www.tipsubmit.com
