York Regional Police say a 30-year-old man has been charged after two sexual assaults on youth victims that occurred days apart on a hiking trail in Richmond Hill.
Incidents on the Highway 7 and Bayview trail
Police allege the first incident happened on Aug. 12, shortly after 3 p.m., when the accused approached a female youth on a trail near the Highway 7 and Bayview Avenue area, covered her mouth and sexually assaulted her. The victim managed to break free and flee the scene.
Two days later, on Aug. 14 at about 11:30 a.m., officers say the same man approached another female youth in the same area and assaulted her in a similar manner. That second victim also escaped and left the area.
Arrest and charges
Authorities arrested a 30-year-old man identified as Jan-Hoy Cassells, who is listed as having no fixed address. He has been charged with multiple offences, including sexual interference, sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon and obstructing justice.
| Accused | Age | Location | Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan-Hoy Cassells | 30 | No fixed address | Sexual interference; sexual assault; sexual assault with a weapon; obstructing justice |
Police appeal and community impact
Investigators located the accused a short distance from the scene following the second alleged incident and took him into custody, police say. York Regional Police have warned there may be other victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
"Investigators believe there may be additional victims,"
The incidents have raised concerns among residents who use the trail network in this part of Richmond Hill. The Highway 7 and Bayview corridor is a mix of suburban neighbourhoods, commercial strips and interconnected walking paths that are well used during daylight hours. Many residents, including parents and older walkers, said they rely on these trails for daily exercise and commuting between neighbourhoods.
- Two separate alleged sexual assaults occurred on Aug. 12 and Aug. 14 in the Highway 7 and Bayview area.
- Both victims — described by police as female youth — escaped and fled the scene.
- The accused, 30-year-old Jan-Hoy Cassells, was arrested shortly after the second incident and faces multiple charges.
Local community groups and residents often call for improved lighting, more frequent patrols and better surveillance along trails and greenways. While police continue their investigation, municipal officials and neighbourhood associations may face renewed pressure to review safety measures on popular walking routes.
Anyone with information about the alleged assaults, or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area on the dates in question, is asked to contact York Regional Police. Investigators emphasise that even small pieces of information or dash-cam footage can be helpful in building a fuller picture of what happened.
York Regional Police did not provide further details about the alleged weapon or the exact stretch of trail involved beyond the Highway 7 and Bayview description. No additional suspects have been publicly identified.
The cases will proceed through the criminal justice system following the charges; further court dates and procedural developments will be announced by police or the courts as they become available.
Richmond Hill residents with concerns about trail safety are encouraged to reach out to local councillors or community safety groups to discuss immediate and long-term improvements to the city’s walking and cycling network.
