Markham sexual assault: suspect charged

A 62-year-old Markham man is facing charges after he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman less than two weeks after being released on bail in connection with another alleged sexual assault.

According to police, the suspect was initially arrested on the evening of Oct. 3 in connection with a sexual assault that afternoon near Markham Road and Highglen Avenue.

According to police, the victim was walking in the area when a suspect she did not know approached her.

It is believed the suspect sexually touched the victim and then fled the scene.

He was located by investigators later that evening and charged with sexual assault, but was later released on conditional bail.

Police believe the same suspect committed a second sexual assault near Denison Street and Cartmel Drive on the afternoon of Oct. 12.

In this incident, the defendant was known to the victim and gained access to her apartment before sexually assaulting her, police said.

“While the two were sitting on the couch, the suspect sexually assaulted the victim, then was interrupted and fled on foot. Officers quickly located and arrested the suspect,” a news release from York Regional Police said Wednesday.

The suspect was identified as Mahendran Thambirathirram of Markham. He is accused of two counts of sexual assault in connection with the incidents.

According to police, investigators believe there may be more victims who have not yet come forward. An image of the suspect was released.

The police are continuing to investigate.