In a disturbing development that has shaken the Richmond Hill community, York Regional Police have arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with an alleged sexual assault at a public swimming pool, authorities confirmed Wednesday.
The incident, which occurred at the Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park on Leslie Street north of Elgin Mills Road East, has raised serious concerns about public safety in recreational spaces. According to investigators, the suspect allegedly approached and sexually assaulted a young woman while she was swimming at the facility on August 7.
“This type of predatory behavior in public spaces is particularly alarming,” said Detective Sergeant Maria Cortez of the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit. “We commend the victim for her courage in coming forward, which ultimately led to this arrest.”
The accused, a Richmond Hill resident whose name has not been released pending court proceedings, faces charges of sexual assault and has been released on bail with strict conditions prohibiting him from attending public swimming facilities.
Police believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward. “We have reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident,” Cortez added. “Public pools are meant to be safe spaces for community recreation, and we’re determined to ensure they remain so.”
The Richmond Green Sports Centre has cooperated fully with the investigation and has implemented additional security measures, including increased staff presence around pool areas and enhanced surveillance camera monitoring.
Community reaction has been one of shock and concern. “I bring my children here regularly,” said Melissa Cheng, a local resident interviewed outside the facility. “It’s unsettling to think about something like this happening in a place where families should feel secure.”
This incident follows a troubling provincial trend of increased reports of sexual assaults in public recreational facilities across Ontario over the past two years, according to data from Statistics Canada.
As the legal process unfolds, this case raises important questions about public safety: How can communities better protect vulnerable individuals in shared recreational spaces while preserving their open, welcoming nature?
Anyone with information regarding this or similar incidents is encouraged to contact York Regional Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
