3rd reported sexual assault believed to be linked to ‘rideshare’ investigation in Brampton: police

Police are growing increasingly concerned, warning residents not to accept rides from strangers after a third reported sexual assault took place on Saturday involving a man offering a ride to a woman in Brampton.

Peel Regional Police say the incident happened shortly before 7 a.m., while a 21-year-old woman was waiting at a bus stop near Airport Road and Humberwest Parkway.

An unknown man in a vehicle approached the woman, offering her a ride. The suspect reportedly drove the woman to an area near Countryside Drive and Airport Road, where the assault is alleged to have taken place.

Investigators describe the suspect as a South Asian man, between 20 and 25 years old, with short black hair, a short black beard and a medium to muscular build. Police believe the suspect was driving a newer model four-door

Authorities believe the suspect was involved in two other incidents, including the sexual assault of an 18-year-old woman in Brampton on Nov. 8, when he allegedly posed as a rideshare driver. A similar incident is believed to have taken place in Vaughn.

Police are asking anyone with dashcam footage from the area of Airport Road and Countryside Drive between 6:40 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 16 to submit their videos via the following link:
Submit Video Evidence.

Last week, Peel police released an image of a vehicle believed to have been used in a Brampton rideshare-related sexual assault in hopes of identifying the suspect.

Officers urge individuals to remain vigilant when using rideshare services, emphasizing the importance of avoiding unsolicited ride offers from strangers.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Peel Regional Police’s Special Victims Unit at 905-453-2121, extension 3460.

Public Safety Alert /Sexual Assault Investigation

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— Peel Regional Police (@PeelPolice) November 17, 2024