Police renew appeal for info after man allegedly distributes inappropriate, sexual messaging to kids in east Toronto park

Toronto police are renewing their call to the public to help identify a man who allegedly distributed sexual messages to children. Beth Macdonell reports.

Toronto police are renewing their call for the public’s help to locate a man who allegedly approached several children in an east-end park and handed them papers containing inappropriate and sexual messages.

On Dec. 18, Toronto police say they were called to Withrow Park, which is in the city’s Riverdale neighbourhood near Danforth and Logan avenues, in the late afternoon for reports of a suspicious incident.

They say parents of affected children had called the police, who subsequently issued a public safety alert on Dec. 21 and have been regualrly patrolling the area ever since.

The suspect, investigators say, fled the area and remains outstanding and unidentified.

He is described as a standing six feet tall and 30 to 40 years old with a thin build and short brown beard, and was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket and a black and grey crossbody bag.

“We’re hoping some in the community recognizes this person,” Const. Cindy Chung told CTV News Toronto on Tuesday.

“(These messages) would probably be something that when children glance at it or parents, it’s something that an adult should not be saying to children, especially children they don’t know.”

People in the area say they find the situation unsettling and are on alert.

“(It’s) obviously unpleasant and unexpected,” said one man at the park on Tuesday.

“I think its disgusting. I think it’s really sad,” added another area resident.

One woman told CTV News Toronto that she’s been “keeping an eye out and keeping updated on the developments” with this case.

Another said she has no problem alerting the police if she sees a man who matches that description.

“I think it’s terrible. It’s really distressing and I’m sure it was for the kids as well,” she said.

Chung said Toronto police are concerned there may be other children who were approached and have not yet reported it to them.

“If that’s the case, please reach out,” she said.

Parents urged to discuss safety with kids

Police say it’s important for parents to have conversations with their kids and remind them to tell someone if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Mitchell, who lives in the area, says he’s done just that with his nine-year-old son, Mateo.

“We’ve been talking about this for four or five years. He knows (to not) open the door for nobody, even if we are in the house,” the man said.

“So in the street if somebody approaches to him, he knows he needs to ask for help.”

This criminal harassment investigation is ongoing and anyone with further information is urged to contact Toronto police at 416-808-5500 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

With files from CTV News Toronto’s Beth Macdonell