Suspect for Identification After Woman Assaulted in Vaughan

Investigators with the York Regional Police Hate Crime Unit are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect after a woman was sprayed with an aerosol irritant in the City of Vaughan.

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, at approximately 7:55 p.m., officers responded to a weapons call in the area of Steeles Avenue West and New Westminster Drive. The female victim was attending a community event when she was approached by an unknown male. The suspect and victim had a brief interaction, then a short time later the suspect sprayed her with an aerosol irritant. He then fled on foot in the area of Conley Street and New Westminster Drive.

The victim was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect is described as white, approximately 6'2", weighing 200 lbs. He was last seen wearing a black baseball hat, black sunglasses, a grey T-shirt with an Under Armour logo on the chest, black pants and black running shoes.

Investigators are releasing an image of the suspect and are asking anyone who may recognize him, or who has information, or video from the area, to come forward.

The incident is believed to be targeted. The York Regional Police Hate Crime Unit has been engaged and is working to determine whether the incident was hate-motivated.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Hate Crime Prevention Unit by calling 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6552 or by email at hatecrime@yrp.ca. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or by visiting www.1800222tips.com.