A 13-year-old is lucky to be home safe Friday after narrowly escaping what she alleges was an attempted abduction.

Police say she was headed home from Victoria Park subway station when a man in a blue car pulled alongside her and began calling out. It's alleged she ignored the calls, but the man wasn't satisfied, leaving his car, running her down and grabbing her from behind.

Only a lucky shot to the attacker's nose allowed the girl to break free and make a run for it.

"She put up a struggle, possibly even doing some damage to his nose," confirmed Toronto Police Det. Ali Ramji.

"She's doing fine ... she was quite composed and was able to articulate quite well."

The suspect is described as:

• White
• Mid-30s
• 175 pounds
• Dark brown curly hair, full beard,
• Last seen wearing long-sleeve white shirt and light jeans

Perhaps what's most scary is that Friday's attempt is just the most recent in a spike of the frightening incidents.

A public safety alert has been issued in Scarborough after three separate incidents near schools located between Brimley and Port Union Roads.

Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS if you can help police in any of them.

It's an old adage in police circles that sometimes those who are the most dangerous seem to be the least threatening looking.

That might well apply to the man you're looking at right now. His name is Brian Lemmon and authorities want to know where he is. He's being sought by the Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) Squad after he stopped complying with a long-term supervision order which was part of a seven-year sentence for sexual interference.

The 38-year-old has a long rap sheet with numerous sex and violent offences convictions.

He is described as white, 5'4", 130 lbs., with blue eyes, short brown hair with blond tips.

He also has a tattoo of a unicorn on his left arm and a rearing unicorn on his back as well as an 8" horizontal scar in the middle of his back and a 3" scar on his left wrist.

Police believe he could be travelling to the Toronto area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Provincial ROPE Squad at 416-808-5900, toll free at 1-866-870-ROPE (7673), Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or online at www.222tips.com.

It is another of those announcements that make parents fume, officials explain and police tread a fine line.

Cops in Peel Region have put out a warning about the release of a man they're calling a high-risk sex offender whose past crimes involve young children. And they fear he's likely to re-offend.

The problem: he's been let loose from the Maplehurst Detention Centre and is being placed in a Mississauga neighbourhood. But as in previous cases of this kind, the law won't let authorities tell you exactly where he'll be living, leaving parents to look over their shoulders with concern.

Brendon James MacNeill was convicted of trying to lure a 13-year-old Michigan girl across the border in 2005. He began chatting with the child online and in the classic style of a predator gradually won over her trust, eventually turning to sex talk and sending pornographic pictures to her over email.

He was caught trying to cross the border into Michigan to meet her in person.

His convictions include Internet luring and possession of child pornography. And now he's back in public. MacNeill is 37 years old and while cops pledge to keep as close an eye on him as possible, they also note they're obligated to protect his rights in case anyone tries to take matters into their own hands.

It's a tough spot for police, who aren't able to tell residents anything more than that the ex-con is somewhere in their area. It's even tougher for parents, who have to struggle not knowing where he may be or how close he is to their kids.

Cops pledge to work with the Ministry of Corrections to try and protect both sides in this case and are asking parents to keep a close eye on their children's activitie

Toronto Police admit it's not a lot to go on. But you've helped them solve tougher cases before. They're hoping two separate pictures will help them find a pair of alleged sexual predators targeting young children in stores.

The first case took place at the Zellers store at 3003 Danforth Ave. on February 23rd, where a man wasn't shopping for merchandise. Instead, he was looking for something far more valuable - a child's innocence.

Investigators say he approached a 10-year-old and starting talking to him about video games. When the youngster answered, the two engaged in some brief conversation before he allegedly tried to lure the lad out of the store, inviting him to his home to "watch video games."

Fortunately, it didn't get that far, and the man turned around and walked away when the boy didn't go with him.

He left few clues behind expect the one that may be the most valuable of all - his picture on a security camera (far left). Cops are hoping someone recognizes him from the image, which is grainy but may be detailed enough to make an I.D.

The suspect is described as:

• White,
• 35,
• 200 lbs.,
• Long brown hair,
• Mole on his chin,

He was wearing a denim jacket with fur around the collar, a black shirt, blue jeans, black boots, and a dark-green baseball cap with an unidentified logo on the front.

If you know who he is or if you think he's approached your kids, call 55 Division at (416) 808-5505. Cops want to stop him before the next young boy says 'yes'.

The second man caught on candid camera (far right) is said to have committed his offence on Thursday at a store located at 165 North Queen Street. Around 7:40pm, an 8-year-old girl was inside the business with her father, when he left her alone in an aisle for just a second.

That was long enough for a man to follow the child, sexually assault her and then run off before she could tell her dad.

This suspect is said to be:

• White,
• 27-40,
• 5'5"-5'8",
• 170 lbs.,
• Short black hair,
• Stubble on face.

This guy belongs to 22 Division once they know who he is. Call (416) 808-2205 if his face rings a bell.

A man who's been seen several times in the Kingston and Galloway Road area of Scarborough has prompted a warning to parents from Toronto Police. They're convinced a sex offender is wandering the neighbourhood, after repeated incidents of a man exposing himself to women and young girls over the past two days.

The first case surfaced on January 10th, when a woman walking down the street saw a man approach two young teens. She saw him talk to them, only to watch in surprise as they turned and ran away. He then headed her way and as he came up to her from behind, he made a comment that caused her to turn around. And that's when she discovered the reason for the youngsters' flight - his pants were undone and he had flashed himself to all three of them.

Police were called and searched the area but didn't find anything.

Then a week later, it happened again. Cops received reports of a similar suspect repeating the crime in the same area on Thursday. This latest incident also involved young girls between the ages 13-16, with the same M.O. - and the same result.

Now police want to find this guy and expose him to a jail cell. His description is unusual and they think someone is bound to recognize him.

The flasher is described as:

• Black,
• Light-skin,
• 20-30,
• 5'11",
• Medium build,
• Round face,
• "Chin strap" beard,
• Black twisted hair.

Call (416) 808-4300 if you know who he is.

Over the past 24 hours, police have warned the public about three suspects wanted in connection with separate but all disturbing incidents across the city.

In one case, investigators are warning people to be on guard after receiving word of an attack that could have turned into a sexual assault.

A 21-year-old woman was apparently walking downtown near Dundas and River Sts. on Wednesday at about 7pm when she was grabbed from behind by an unknown assailant.

The man reportedly clapped a hand over her mouth and attempted to drag her away. The victim struggled and managed to get free of him.

She contacted authorities and gave them the following description of the suspect:

• Black, about 30 years old
• 6'0" or taller
• Bald, clean-shaven

He was apparently wearing black jeans and a beige, waist-length suede jacket.

Police are cautioning women to be alert and aware of their surroundings at all times.

Anyone with information in this case should contact investigators at 416-808-5100, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).

In another case, officers are looking for a man after a 14-year-old girl was approached on the street near Dufferin and Eglinton and nearly grabbed at about 5pm last Thursday. Police say the teen refused when the suspect apparently tried to lure her into his car. He then parked it and went up to her, asking her to get into the vehicle. When she refused again the man reportedly tried to grab her by the arm. She screamed and a passerby came to help her. That's when the suspect drove off.

Police describe him as:

• White, 18-25
• 5'7", slim
• Clean shaven, with a round face and shoulder-length reddish-brown hair

He was wearing a white baseball cap with a black peak, a navy-blue T-shirt over a long-sleeved beige shirt, dark jeans, and white running shoes. Anyone with information should call police at 416-808-1300.

On Wednesday it was reported that a potentially dangerous prowler was seen lurking around the University of Toronto campus and surrounding area, peeping into windows in the neighbourhood. Police advised area residents to make sure their windows are covered and locked.

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Advice for women on staying safe, courtesy Peel Regional Police:

On the Street

Walk assertively
Vary your routine
Avoid being alone, if you can
Plan your route and avoid shortcuts through parks, vacant lots or unlit areas
Always be aware of your surroundings If you're being followed on foot
Head for a place of safety to find other people
Disrupt the plans of a potential offender by selecting a favourable spot to turn around and shout in a loud voice "are you following me?"
If you're being pursued in a populated hallway, yell to attract attention
Report your suspicions to police

Elevators

Stand offset to the doors
If you feel in doubt concerning people on an elevator do not get on. Wait for the next one
Once inside, stand near the control panel
Depress multiple floor numbers for quick escape

Be Ready

Have your keys ready, to avoid lingering while searching for them
Take a look around as you approach your vehicle or a building entrance at any time of the day or night

Building Security

Never open a locked or access-controlled door for a stranger
Always make sure that a door latches properly after you have exited it
Never prop open doors

Public Transportation

Be aware of suspicious people in public transportation areas
Know the schedules and sit near the driver
Use caution in conversation with strangers.
Avoid clothing or items that identify you or your profession
During the evenings, ask the driver to let you off near your destination
Have someone meet you at your stop

On the same day Toronto Police warn of a predator who apparently tried to grab an 8-year-old girl on a local playground, comes a similar case from Durham Region. This time, the victim was a 16-year-old who was grabbed on her way to class in Ajax.

The attack happened late last year but cops have finally released a composite drawing of what the suspect looks like. The girl was walking to school around 8am on November 14th in the area of Harwood and Rossland Road, when a man sidled up behind her and began touching her.

She turned and he fled into a nearby subdivision. Durham Police say they have reason to believe the man has struck before and they're hoping you can put a name to the face.

He's described as:

• Black,
• Clean shaven,
• 16-19,
• 5'6"-5'8",
• Medium build,
• Medium complexion,
• Short black hair
• Brown eyes.

If you know him, call (905) 579-1520 ext 5320 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Do you know this man? Cops are hoping you do. He's the person Toronto Police believe attempted to abduct a little girl from the Broadview Subway Station on November 1st. A mother and her five-year-old were both on the platform around 5:50pm when a man came up from behind and grabbed the youngster.

The shocked mom held on to her with all her might and managed to keep the child in her grasp and the stranger eventually gave up and fled. But cops say these kinds of criminals often keep trying till they succeed and they want to find him before he attempts it again.

They've now released a composite sketch of the suspect they think made the attempt and hope you recognize it.

He's described as:

• Black,
• Short hair,
• Light complexion,
• 30-40,
• 5'4"-5'6",
• 140 lbs.

There's no evidence that this man is strictly stalking the subway system but parents are advised to keep an extra eye on - and a hand out - for younger kids who may be riding the Red Rocket with them. A busy platform or train at rush hour would make it easy for a stranger to get lost in a crowd and disappear undetected. That's what he did that Thursday. Authorities are determined to see he doesn't get away again.

If you know who this guy is, call (416) 808-5400, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at (416) 222-TIPS (8477).

Toronto police have issued a public safety alert after two terrifying attacks on women, just hours apart, in the north end of Toronto over the past weekend.

The assaults, which took place in the Don Mills and Sheppard area, appear to be the work of the same man.

"We're concerned as to what his ultimate goal was in attacking these women," admits Staff Sgt., Jim Farrell (pictured).

In the first incident, a woman was walking alone on Don Mills just south of Sheppard when she was grabbed from behind and dragged off the sidewalk.  Her screams thankfully scared the attacker away.

A few hours later in the same neighbourhood, a man followed a woman into an apartment building and into the elevator. He then grabbed and dragged her out into hallway where once again he fled after the woman put up a fight.

"We believe because of the location and the time of the attacks that it's the same individual responsible for both attacks," Farrell adds.

"That is our fear that he's tried twice now and he might get a little better at his methods and he might get a little bolder, and maybe a little more determined."

The suspect is described as white, between 20 and 25 years old, about 145 pounds, 5-foot-7.

He had a slight beard with short dark hair and was wearing a white t-shirt and black baggy jeans.

Residents are on edge.

"It's always safe to have someone with you or have someone on the phone or something, you know," advises Genevieve Lui. 

Toronto Police are searching for a man allegedly connected to a violent sexual assault that took place at a North York hotel Saturday and they need your help finding him.

The suspect's name is Foad Yousif.

He's 27-year-old and drives an orange tow truck.

He's described as:

• 5"0
• Roughly 135 pounds
• Three tattoos: a lion and skull on right bicep and a black panther on left forearm

If you've seen this man, call 31 Division at (416) 808-3100 or Crime Stoppers (416) 222-TIPS.

He walks into a bar or a nightclub without anyone checking him out.

He goes up to women partying on a night out and waits until they're distracted, then paws through their belongings, making off with items like their cell phones or purses.

And on one stops him or asks who he is.

The reason: they think he's a cop.

Toronto Police are warning women about a man posing as an officer who's out to rip them off in the Entertainment District.

The suspect has what cops are calling "imitation police equipment" that makes him seem like the real thing.

Nothing makes police angrier than someone whose actions destroy the public trust. And they're anxious to catch him.

They're asking bar owners to keep a weathered eye out for anyone claiming to be a cop who tries to enter their establishment.

And they remind them that a real one won't be offended if they're asked for legitimate I.D. by a civilian.

If you know who he is, the real thing would like to arrest his progress. Call (416) 808-1404 if you can help.

Are a man and woman working together in an attempt to abduct young girls? 

That's what police are trying to discern following what appears to be a brazen effort to lure two children into a van in the Dufferin and Lawrence area.

The children were walking to Regina Mundi Catholic School on Playfair Avenue when police say a man and a woman stopped to ask them for directions. 

They then tried to get them to come closer, urging the little girls to help them read a road map.  Wisely, the kids ran off and told teachers about the incident. 

On Tuesday a safety alert letter went out to parents in the area, who responded with understandable concern. 

"It's scary growing up now because you don't want to scare them, but you also want them to make sure that they're aware that when they're in a dangerous situation, they need to run to an adult," said one worried mom. 

"It's hitting home now. It's too close to home."

The letter makes reference not only to the latest incident, but also to another suspected luring attempt, where a man and woman in a dark coloured van tried to entice kids with McDonald's coupons.  

Both suspects are white. The man is 35 to 45, bald with grey/brown hair on the sides. The woman is 30 to 40, with a slim face and collar-length straight hair.

It's a different kind of sex assault case than police are used to dealing with. This time, instead of a stranger stalking victims in the east end of the city, they know who their looking for.

Now all they have to do is find him.

Cops have named 18-year-old Nathaniel Green as the man they accuse in three separate attacks that took place on Saturday and Sunday in the Pape and Danforth area.

Two of the attacks took place near the victims' own homes and involved young girls. The other was an older woman.

Cops quickly narrowed down their list of suspects and Green remains at the top of it.

He's described as:

• Black,
• 5'8"-6',
• 180-200 lbs.,
• Brown eyes,
• Black hair in cornrows.

Cops think he may still be in the same area where the crimes took place.

They considered him very dangerous and are urging anyone who sees him to keep their distance and call (416) 808-5400 immediately.

He's a dangerous predator who's attacks young boys. And he's been set free in a G.T.A. neighbourhood.

Durham Regional Police have taken the unusual step of warning residents in northwest Oshawa to be on the lookout for Jamie Moorcroft. The 26-year-old has been convicted of various crimes ten times since 2000 - and four of those have been for molesting young males.

Cops are sure he's a candidate to re-offend, but because he's been released from custody, they can't do much but wait - and hope they have nothing to worry about.

They're asking parents in the area to keep one eye on him and another on their kids.

Moorcroft has to meet certain conditions to remain a free man. He can't be alone with anyone under the age of 14, he's forbidden from going to any public park, swimming area or community centre where kids 14 or under might congregate, and he has to keep away from daycare centres, schools and playground.

And they're pleading with the public to watch out for any violations.

Moorcroft is described as:

• 5'10",
• 180 lbs.,
• Dark brown hair,
• Balding,
• Hazel eyes,
• Mole on his chin.

If you have anything to tell police about his activities, call (905) 579-1520 ext. 5324.

 

He now has a face.

Toronto Police have worked with witnesses and victims and come up with what they believe may be the face of a dangerous man stalking the York University area.

They know he's already struck twice around Murray Ross Parkway and Sentinel Road and they worry he may try it again.

The crime spree began on November 18th when a man approached a woman from behind around 6:30pm, took her by surprise and sexually assaulted her.

Nine days later a similar looking suspect with a similar M.O. struck again, this time waiting until 9pm to grab a woman by her hair, drag her between houses and sexually attack her.

The description of the man in both instances is the same, leading police to fear a repeat rapist may be at work. But now they have something they didn't before - a composite to work with.

The suspect is described as:

• Black,
• 25-35,
• 6',
• Medium build,
• Bald or shaved head.

These drawings aren't always 100 percent accurate, but they're often close. If you think you know someone who matches the man's features, call police at  (416) 808-7474.

Police are warning women in Vaughan to be extra cautious after a woman was attacked after getting off a bus earlier this month.

The 26-year-old victim had just stepped off a TTC bus at Confederation Parkway and Rutherford Road when a man approached her from behind, grabbed her by the shoulder and pushed her to the ground.

The woman screamed which caused the suspect to run off. Authorities have released a composite sketch of the man who's described as:

• White, fair skin
• 6', 200 lbs., medium build,
• Late 20s,
• Dark hair, brown eyes, pencil -thin moustache with a chin-strap-style beard

Police say he was wearing a black toque and a black, three-quarter length wool jacket with a high collar. He also speaks with a light Eastern European accent.

If you have any information that could help investigators, call 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7071, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Meanwhile, authorities are warning women to be extra cautious when out walking. Here are some safety tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Whenever possible travel in pairs
• Travel in well-lit and populated areas, especially at night
• Carry a cell phone and let someone know how long you will be gone
• Trust your intuition. If something tells you a person or situation isn't right, it likely isn't
• Avoid unpopulated areas, overgrown trails and deserted streets
• Never wear a headset while running or walking