Suspect in string of Markham sexual assaults arrested: York police
York Regional Police officers say they’ve arrested a man who allegedly committed a string of sexual assaults in the same area of Markham over the course of a week. Abdul Basit Raufi, 22, of Markham, was arrested on Thursday and charged with four counts of sexual assault and one count of disguise with intent. “All […]
York Regional Police have apprehended Abdul Basit Raufi, a 22-year-old Markham resident, in connection with a series of sexual assaults that allegedly occurred in the city over a week's time. Raufi faces four counts of sexual assault and one count of disguise with intent, according to police. All the assaults took place in the evenings, involving Raufi riding a bicycle, and occurred along Edward Jeffreys Avenue, between Markham Road and Roy Rainey Avenue.
The first incident is believed to have taken place on Monday, August 10, around 6:40 p.m., when the suspect approached a female walker on the sidewalk near Edward Jeffreys and Mingay Avenues, touching her for a sexual purpose before fleeing. Police describe similar incidents reported on August 14 and August 17. Raufi's image has been released, as prosecutors believe there may be additional victims.
Further, police note that Raufi has ties to Brampton and is believed to have taken steps to alter his appearance, potentially looking different at the time of the offenses.
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