Police searching for suspect in Markham sex crime

York Region police are searching for a man who followed a woman off a bus in Markham last month and then sexually assaulted her.

According to police, the incident occurred shortly after midnight on August 12 in the area of ​​Steeles Avenue and Shadlock Street, west of Markham Road.

A woman on the bus saw a man sitting in the front with a cell phone in her hand, police said.

When the woman got off the bus, the man followed her and then tried to start a conversation with her, according to police.

He then allegedly touched the woman in a sexual manner. According to the police, the woman pushed the man away, who then allegedly exposed his genitals.

The woman was able to take a photo of the suspect, which police shared Thursday. He was last seen fleeing east toward Markham Road.

The man is described as being of Middle Eastern origin, between 25 and 35 years old, 1.80m tall, of average build and a black beard. He was last seen wearing a yellow jacket with a dark front, black trousers and grey or white sneakers.

According to police, the man was carrying a crate of bottled water.

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7071 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.