Convicted sex trafficker who escaped custody could be anywhere in southern Ontario

A convicted sex trafficker considered by police to be “violent and dangerous” has escaped custody and could be anywhere in Mississauga, Brampton or other parts of the GTA and southwestern Ontario, authorities say.

Toronto Police said in a news release this afternoon that Tyrel “TK” McLean, 23, was out on bail pending sentencing when on Dec. 30 he is alleged to have “removed his ankle monitor while on house arrest in Waterloo and fled the area.”

The Toronto Police Human Trafficking Unit and Waterloo Regional Police are both now asking for the public’s help in locating McLean after he breached his release order.

Police say he “is known to be violent and dangerous. If located, do not approach. Call 911 immediately.”

Investigators add McLean is known to frequent locations in the Greater Toronto Area and southwestern Ontario.

Police say McLean was convicted last Oct. 31 of several underage sex trafficking-related offences.

He’s described as standing 5-foot-9, with a thin build and light complexion.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or contact police at 416-808-4838 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.