York Regional Police search for Toronto man wanted in Vaughan assault

York Regional Police are searching for a 20-year-old Toronto man accused of choking and assaulting a 15-year-old girl inside an abandoned building in Vaughan on Sunday, July 12.

Police responded to a derelict property near Jane Street and Highway 7 after officers were called to the scene. When they arrived, investigators learned the female teen had been assaulted with a weapon and choked. The victim managed to break free and contact police before the suspect fled the area.

The girl was taken to hospital with minor injuries. Investigators say the nature of the assault has prompted an urgent search for the accused.

Police have identified the suspect as Avi Jackson-Bungiena, 6-foot-1 with a slender build, weighing 135 pounds, with brown eyes and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, black shorts and white running shoes. At the time of the alleged attack, he was already on probation for an offence involving a different victim.

Jackson-Bungiena is wanted for assault, two counts of assault with a weapon and two counts of breach of probation. Police have issued a warrant for his arrest and released his image. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact authorities. Police also warn that anyone who assists him may face criminal charges.