Two sexual assaults -- which happened in east-end Barrie on Jan. 2 and Jan. 7 but weren't made public until today -- have city police searching for a suspect they believe to be responsible for both incidents.
BarrieToday reached out to city police to see why there was a delay in releasing the information to the public regarding the assaults, both of which happened on pathways and involved female victims.
Corporate communications co-ordinator Peter Leon said police acted immediately and the investigation will continue until the suspect is caught.
The initial complaint was not reported until after the second had occurred, he said.
“I think that it is important to recognize that as soon as the Barrie police were made aware of these incidents that the investigations were immediately commenced and they are being carried out by detectives from within out Crimes Against Persons Unit," Leon said. "We are trying to identify the person responsible for these unacceptable actions and hold them accountable.
"There is no place for crimes like this in our community and we will find the person who did this," he added.
Police say the first assault happened Wednesday, Jan. 2 at approximately 6:50 p.m., at the north end of Cheltenham Road, while the second occurred Monday, Jan. 7 at approximately 3:10 p.m., near Dunsmore Lane.
Investigators are searching for a south Asian man, approximately 20 years old, standing between five-foot-eight and five-foot-10 with a large build. He had dark short hair and was unshaven.
Anyone with information or who may have residential video surveillance is asked to contact Barrie Police Crimes Against Persons Unit at 705-725-7025, ext. 2931 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or leave an anonymous tip online.
