Richmond Hill man charged after two youth sexual assaults on trails days apart

York Regional Police have charged a 30-year-old man in connection with two alleged sexual assaults on youth victims that occurred days apart along trail systems in Richmond Hill.

The first incident happened on August 12 at around 3:15 p.m., when a youth was walking in the area of Highway 7 and Bayview Avenue and was approached by an unknown man. Police say the suspect grabbed the victim, attempted to cover her mouth, and touched her for a sexual purpose. The victim managed to break free and flee.

Two days later, on August 14 at approximately 11:30 a.m., a second youth victim was walking on a nearby trail when she was approached by a man who covered her mouth and touched her for a sexual purpose. She also escaped and ran for help.

Shortly after the second incident, officers located a suspect in the Bathurst Street and Highway 7 area and took him into custody. Police have charged Jan-Hoy Cassells, 30, of no fixed address, with sexual interference, sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, and obstructing justice. The York Regional Police have released a photo of the accused, saying they believe additional victims may exist.

Investigators are urging anyone with information about these incidents or anyone who may have been victimized by the suspect to contact the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit. These allegations have not yet been proven in court.