Fake rideshare driver attacks third GTA victim: Peel police say

Police in Peel Region are urging the public not to accept unsolicited offers of transport from strangers following three recent assaults involving a suspect posing as a ride-hailing driver.

The latest incident occurred on November 16 in Brampton.

Peel Regional Police (PRP) said a 21-year-old woman was waiting at a bus stop at Airport Road and Humberwest Parkway around 6:45 a.m. when an unknown man offered her a ride, which she accepted.

He then drove her to the area around Countryside Drive and Airport Road, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her, they said.

The suspect is described as a South Asian man with a medium complexion, approximately 20 to 25 years old, with short black hair, a full black short beard and a medium to muscular build.

His vehicle is described as a newer model, four-door sedan.

Investigators believe the same suspect sexually assaulted two other women on Nov. 8, one in Brampton and the other in Vaughan.

In a post on X, Const. Richard Chin, from Peel Regional Police, urged the public to be careful if someone offers them an unsolicited lift.

“Make sure you verify the driver’s authenticity, contact a trusted friend and let them know your estimated time of arrival at your destination, and have them contact the police if they haven’t heard from you,” he said. .

Anyone with information, including dashcam footage captured between 6:40 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. in the above area, is asked to contact PRP’s Special Victims Unit at 905-453-2121, ext. 3460, or onlineor Crime Stoppers Anonymous.