Durham cops seek male suspect, step up patrols after violent sex assault in Whitby
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Durham police are searching for a male suspect following an alleged violent sexual assault in Whitby on Monday night.
Cops responded around 10:15 p.m. to reports of a sexual assault at Iroquois Beach Park in the area of Gordon St. and Waterfront Trail.
Cops say the adult female victim was leaving Iroquois Beach Park, walking along the sand path that runs northwest toward Gordon St., when she was assaulted by an unknown male.
The suspect allegedly dragged the victim off the path into a tree line, where he made threats and sexually assaulted her.
‘She was actually just enjoying the beach area when she decided to leave and was walking along an isolated trail, which is when the incident happened,” said Durham Regional Police Const. Nicholas Gluckstein.
“She was solo on that trail and that’s when this person, this suspect, came up from behind her and grabbed her and dragged her into the forest.”
Gluckstein said this is a rare occurrence in what is usually a safe, well-populated area.
“It’s definitely a very family-friendly, family-oriented area,” he said. “A lot of beachgoers and residents travel, walk, run (there) quite frequently, so it’s definitely unusual activity and unfortunate.”
Police say the victim was able to flee toward the street and flag down a motorist to contact police before being transported to a local area hospital by emergency medical personnel.
“I believe she’s since been released (from hospital),” said Gluckstein.
Suspect got away despite search
The suspect fled the area prior to police arrival. Despite an extensive search conducted by officers, with support from the DRPS K9 Unit and Drone Unit, he was not located.
The suspect is described as a Black male with shoulder-length cornrow-style hair and wearing all black clothing.
Anyone with cell phone, dashcam, surveillance footage or any information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Const. Jiggins of the Special Victims Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5312.
“We’re definitely looking for any video footage in the area,” he said. “And most likely it would be from the residences that surround the trail. Unfortunately, right on that trail, there are no video cameras at the moment. And we are imploring anyone who may have been on the beach or along that trail that may have had any cell phone video to forward as well.”
Police will be increasing patrols in and around Iroquois Beach Park and the Waterfront Trail as the investigation continues to help ensure the safety of residents and others using the trail system.
“As a result of this, we’ll definitely have more police personnel just driving by that specific area and possibly doing walks along that beachfront just to ensure that everybody feels safe and there are no further incidents,” said Gluckstein.
In the meantime, Gluckstein advises everyone to let people know where they are, what time they’re leaving home and what time they plan to return.
“Walking in pairs is definitely beneficial,” he added. “And make sure you have a cell phone readily available so you can contact 9-1-1 if you feel you’re in a potentially life-threatening or suspicious situation where you notice somebody who just doesn’t feel right.”
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.