A disturbing pattern of violence unfolded late Friday afternoon, leaving authorities seeking the public’s assistance. A man is wanted for questioning after allegedly assaulting two women in the Yonge Street and Parkview Avenue area, striking them without warning as they walked along the street.
The first woman reported being hit from behind in the head, completely unprovoked. While she urgently contacted police, the assailant continued walking, and shockingly, struck a second woman nearby. Investigators believe there may be other, unreported victims who also encountered this individual.
Police have released a description of the suspect: approximately 5-foot-7, appearing between 25 and 35 years old, and sporting a distinctive black moustache. He was last seen wearing a black toque, a blue winter jacket, black pants, and strikingly colored red, black, and white shoes.
In a separate, tragic incident, a 28-year-old man lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in the Dundas Street West and Acorn Avenue area. A grey Toyota Rav4 reportedly proceeded through an intersection, colliding with the pedestrian as he crossed the street.
Emergency services rushed the man to hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. A 25-year-old man from Mississauga, identified as Joseph Daniel Alvarado Portillo, has been arrested and faces charges of dangerous operation of a conveyance.
Investigators are now appealing for any available security or dash-cam footage that might shed light on the circumstances surrounding this fatal collision. Every piece of evidence could prove crucial in understanding what transpired.
Meanwhile, a fugitive who had evaded capture for over a month has been apprehended in Alliston, Ontario. Thomas Hackett, a federal offender serving a two-year sentence for assault, DUI, and failure to comply with court orders, was located by the Nottawasaga OPP.
The OPP’s Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (R.O.P.E.) Squad expressed gratitude for the public’s assistance in locating Hackett, bringing an end to his time on the run and returning him to custody.
