Update - Suspect Charged After Woman Assaulted in Vaughan

Investigators with the York Regional Police Hate Crime Unit would like to thank the public for their 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.

On June 11, 2026, Scott KYNNERSLEY, 41, of the City of Mississauga was charged with Assault with a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon, Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, Breach of a Weapons Prohibition Order and Fail to Comply with Probation.

At the time of the offence, KYNNERSLEY was on probation and subject to a weapons prohibition order for unrelated offences.

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.

Crime prevention is our shared responsibility: Find up-to-date crime data in York Region on the Community Safety Data Portal, or become a partner in community safety by signing up for the Security Camera Registry today.