A 32-year-old man has been arrested and charged following alleged sexual assaults on public transit buses in Mississauga and Richmond Hill, prompting police to warn that there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward. Investigators from both Peel Regional Police and York Regional Police say the incidents occurred on the same day and share similar circumstances, raising concerns about passenger safety on public transportation systems across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Authorities have released the suspect’s image and details as part of an ongoing investigation, urging anyone with information or who may have been affected to contact police.

Alleged Sexual Assault on Mississauga Transit Bus

Incident Reported on November 18

According to Peel Regional Police, the first reported incident took place on November 18 aboard a transit bus in Mississauga. Investigators allege that the suspect boarded the bus and deliberately sat next to a woman he did not know.

While the bus was in motion, police say the man allegedly sexually assaulted the female passenger. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed to protect her privacy, reported the incident to authorities shortly after it occurred.

Police allege that the suspect fled the bus immediately following the assault. However, Peel officers were able to locate and arrest him a short distance away from the scene.

Charges Laid by Peel Regional Police

Following his arrest, the suspect was identified as Saman Salimianrizi, 32, who is described by police as having no fixed address. Peel Regional Police charged Salimianrizi with one count of sexual assault related to the Mississauga incident.

In addition to the sexual assault charge, police also laid two counts of breaching probation. Authorities have not publicly detailed the conditions of the probation order but confirmed that Salimianrizi was bound by court-ordered restrictions at the time of the alleged offence.

He was held in custody pending a bail hearing and, according to police, remains detained.

Similar Allegations in Richmond Hill Under Investigation

Second Incident Occurred the Same Day

York Regional Police have also charged Salimianrizi in connection with a similar alleged sexual assault that occurred earlier the same day, November 18. That incident reportedly took place between 6 and 7 p.m. on a northbound transit bus traveling from Finch Station toward Richmond Hill.

Police allege that the circumstances surrounding the York Region incident closely resemble those reported in Mississauga. Investigators believe the suspect targeted a female passenger while onboard the bus, though further details about that incident have not been publicly released.

York Regional Police Lay Additional Charges

York Regional Police arrested Salimianrizi on December 18 after continuing their investigation into the Richmond Hill case. He was charged with one count of sexual assault in connection with that incident, along with two additional counts of breaching probation.

York police initially stated that they believed Salimianrizi traveled through multiple municipalities on the day of the alleged assaults, including Brampton, and may have targeted additional victims along the way.

Police Believe There May Be More Victims

Investigators Urge Public to Come Forward

Both Peel and York regional police services say they are concerned there may be other victims who have not yet reported incidents. Investigators believe the suspect may have used public transit as a means to access potential victims across different regions.

As part of their efforts to identify additional victims, police have released an image of Salimianrizi to the public. Authorities are urging anyone who may have had a similar experience or who recognizes the suspect to contact police.

“Investigators from both police forces believe there may be additional victims,” police stated in a joint appeal for information.

Victims and witnesses are encouraged to come forward, even if they are uncertain whether their experience is connected to the current investigation.

Public Transit Safety Under Scrutiny

Concerns for Passenger Security

The allegations have raised renewed concerns about safety on public transportation, particularly during busy commuting hours. Transit systems across the GTA carry thousands of passengers daily, and incidents of alleged sexual assault can have a lasting impact on riders’ sense of security.

Advocates for transit safety emphasize the importance of reporting inappropriate behavior immediately, using onboard emergency features where available, and alerting transit staff or police as soon as possible.

Police continue to stress that sexual assault can occur in any setting and that victims should not hesitate to seek help or support.

Support Services for Victims

Authorities remind victims of sexual assault that confidential support services are available. Local sexual assault crisis centers and victim support organizations offer counseling, medical assistance, and guidance through the reporting process.

Police also note that victims are not required to pursue criminal charges in order to access support resources.

Legal Process Moving Forward

Bail Hearings and Court Proceedings

Salimianrizi remains in custody as he awaits further court proceedings. Bail hearings and future court dates will determine whether he remains detained while the cases move through the justice system.

Under Canadian law, individuals charged with a criminal offence are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Police emphasize that the charges are allegations and will be tested through the judicial process.

Given the involvement of multiple police jurisdictions, coordination between Peel and York regional investigators is expected to continue as the cases progress.

Ongoing Investigation Across Multiple Regions

Police Collaboration Between Peel and York

The investigation highlights the importance of cooperation between police services when alleged offences cross municipal boundaries. Detectives from both regions are sharing information and evidence to ensure a thorough and coordinated approach.

Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges if more victims come forward or if further evidence is uncovered.

Transit authorities may also review surveillance footage and ridership data to assist investigators in reconstructing the suspect’s movements on the day of the alleged incidents.

Conclusion: Call for Vigilance and Community Support

The arrest of Saman Salimianrizi following alleged sexual assaults on transit buses in Mississauga and Richmond Hill has sparked concern among transit users and prompted a broader discussion about public safety. With charges laid in two separate jurisdictions and investigators warning of potential additional victims, police are urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious or inappropriate behavior.

As the legal process unfolds, authorities continue to emphasize the importance of community cooperation, victim support, and awareness in preventing and responding to sexual offences on public transportation. Anyone with information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact Peel Regional Police or York Regional Police as the search for further answers continues.