A 65-year-old man from Whitby, Ontario, has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and sexual exploitation involving a teenage girl. Durham Regional Police have raised concerns that additional victims may exist and are urging the public to come forward with any relevant information.
Ahmed Ashraf, 65, was charged after an investigation by the special victims unit concluded late last month. The charges stem from an incident in 2021 when the suspect allegedly sexually assaulted and exploited a 16-year-old girl who was employed by him between July and October of that year.
Police have charged Ashraf with three counts each of sexual assault and sexual exploitation. He was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
Sergeant Nicholas Gluckstein stated in a news release, "Police have concerns there are other victims and are requesting anyone with information to come forward." Authorities are asking anyone who may have been victimized or who has knowledge of similar incidents to contact the special victims unit at 1-888-579-1520, extension 5311. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca.
Rexdale Shooting Leaves Man Seriously Injured
In a separate incident, Toronto Police are investigating a shooting that occurred Wednesday afternoon in the Rexdale area, leaving a man with serious injuries. According to police reports, the shooting took place around 4:20 p.m. in the Humber College Boulevard and Westmore Drive area. Officers arrived at the scene and located a male victim in his 30s suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital with serious injuries.
Police reported that a suspect was seen fleeing the scene in a dark-colored vehicle. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact them at 416-808-2300.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Injured in Separate Collisions
Toronto Police are also investigating two separate collisions that occurred Wednesday afternoon, leaving a pedestrian and a female cyclist with serious injuries.
The first collision happened around 1:45 p.m. at Kingston Road and Manse Road in Scarborough. A pedestrian was struck by a pickup truck and was transported to a hospital with serious injuries via emergency run. The driver remained at the scene. One westbound lane on Kingston Road has since been reopened after an earlier closure.
The second collision occurred around 3:15 p.m. in the Grace Street and Harbord Street area of Little Italy. A female cyclist in her 20s was struck by a car and was taken to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The driver remained at the scene. Delays and road closures were expected in the area as police investigated.
