TORONTO — A 35-year-old Toronto man is facing charges after allegedly approaching children at a park, making physical contact and asking them for their names and other personal information before committing an indecent act.
City police say they were called shortly after noon on Friday to Earlscourt Park in the St. Clair Avenue and Caledonia Road area, where an elementary school soccer tournament was taking place.
They allege the man picked up a child and placed them on his shoulders before putting them down when confronted by the child's mother.
He was then seen allegedly filming the children on his phone and asking for their names, ages, phone numbers and addresses.
Police also say the suspect was seen standing near the playground committing an indecent act.
He also allegedly approached another child, grabbed them by the arm and asked them to come with him, but the child broke away and ran.
Police say the man was arrested on Saturday and has been charged with two counts of assault and one count of indecent act.
They say they are concerned there may be other victims and are urging anyone with information on the case to come forward.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2025.
The Canadian Press