A 35-year-old Toronto man has been arrested and charged following a disturbing incident at Earlscourt Park involving several children during an elementary school soccer tournament on Friday.
Toronto Police responded to reports shortly after noon regarding a man who was allegedly approaching children, making inappropriate physical contact, and committing an indecent act in the presence of minors. The incident occurred in the area of St. Clair Avenue West and Caledonia Road, where families and young students were gathered for the event.
According to police, the man lifted a child and placed them on his shoulders before being confronted by the child’s mother. He was later seen filming children on his phone and asking for their personal information, including names, ages, phone numbers, and addresses.
Witnesses also reported that the suspect was observed near the playground committing an indecent act. In another alarming encounter, he allegedly grabbed a child by the arm and tried to persuade them to go with him. Fortunately, the child managed to break free and run to safety.
The man was arrested on Saturday and is now facing two counts of assault and one count of committing an indecent act.
Toronto Police have expressed concern that there may be additional victims and are appealing to the public for any information that may assist in their ongoing investigation.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Toronto Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.