Child sexually assaulted while shopping with parents at Scarborough grocery store

Police are investigating after a child was assaulted in a grocery store near Victoria Park and St. Clair avenues.

Police are asking for the public’s help to identify a man after a child was sexually assaulted inside a Scarborough grocery store Sunday evening.

It happened in the area of Victoria Park and St. Lawrence Avenue East at around 7 p.m., police said in a news release.

According to police, the child was inside the grocery store with their parents when the suspect allegedly sexually assaulted them.

The suspect fled the area and was chased by a member of the public, police said.

He is described as a man about 30 years old with a thin build. Police said he was last seen wearing a green T-shirt, dark-coloured Adidas shorts and pink Crocs.

Investigators have released an image of the suspect and are asking anyone with information to contact police.

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.