By Amit Shilton
News Editor
A man pretending to be a Ryerson employee sexually assaulted a 24-year-old woman near the Bloor Street and Spadina Avenue intersection at the beginning of April.
The suspect, who identified himself as “Steve,” asked the victim if he could take pictures of her for a photographic collage he was working on. He then asked her to reveal herself more to him before assaulting her.
“It was like a touching and as it progressed, it was going to lead to something more,” said Constable Wendy Drummond, public information officer for Detective Rob Ermacora.
“As the victim refused, the suspect backed off,” he said.
Drummond said the suspect has characteristics of a potential sex offender, and that police are working to make the public aware so they can stay safe.
“The potential is there for something further to escalate,” she said. “It’s information that we want the public to know that has happened to somebody.”
Several Ryerson students said they could understand how someone could be tricked in that situation, adding that the Bloor and Spadina area is a popular student hang-out. However, others disagreed.
“I’d say ‘no thanks’ and run away. That’s sketchy,” said Erin Callister, a second-year interior design student.
The suspect is described as white, in his 40s, wearing blue jeans and a blue jean jacket. He was carrying a black backpack which contained a camera with a lens.
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