Durham Regional Police are searching for a male suspect after a woman was violently sexually assaulted near Iroquois Beach Park in Whitby on Monday night.
According to a Durham Regional Police news release, officers from Central West Division responded to the park, in the area of Gordon Street and the Waterfront Trail, at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, after receiving reports that a woman had been sexually assaulted.
Police said the victim was leaving the park along a sand path that runs northwest toward Gordon Street when she was attacked by a man she did not know. The suspect dragged her off the path into a tree line, where he threatened her and sexually assaulted her.
The woman was able to break away and flee toward the street, where she flagged down a motorist who contacted police, according to the release. She was then transported to a local hospital by emergency medical personnel.
The suspect fled before officers arrived. Police conducted an extensive search of the area with support from the DRPS K9 Unit and Drone Unit, but the man was not located.
Suspect description
The suspect is described as a Black male with shoulder-length cornrow-style hair, wearing all black clothing.
Police said they will be increasing patrols in and around Iroquois Beach Park and along the Waterfront Trail as the investigation continues, in an effort to ensure the safety of residents and others using the trail system.
How to help
Anyone with cellphone, dashcam or surveillance footage, or any information about the incident, is asked to contact D/Cst. Jiggins of the Special Victims Unit at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5312.
Anonymous tips can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca, and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
