The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has arrested a man in relation to a criminal harassment investigation in Burlington.
On Tuesday, January 17th, a male suspect was observed acting suspiciously at the Burlington Centre at 777 Guelph Line. Between approximately 5:45 pm and 8:00 pm the suspect was seen to be hovering around women with young children in the food court and bathroom areas. The suspect followed a woman pushing a young child in a stroller into the family washroom area. The male then asked if he could enter with them. The female locked herself in the bathroom and the male suspect left the area.
Investigation determined that the same male was observed on the following dates and times demonstrating similar behaviour towards women with young children at the Burlington Mall:
- Monday, January 16th between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, January 20th between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The male was observed operating a 2007 yellow Ford Ranger with Ontario licence plate number “FSTFRS2” and had parked it near the parking spots designated for expectant mothers and caregivers (he was also observed loitering in that area).
The suspect was identified by investigators and on Saturday, January 28th, he was arrested in the area of Dundas Street East and Clappison Avenue in Waterdown.
19-year-old Conner Coyne of Dundas has been charged with:
- Criminal Harassment
- Fail to Comply with Release Order (3 counts)
He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
At the time of the visits to the mall, Coyne was wearing a camouflage print jacket, black sweatpants and camouflage croc style shoes.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims and would like to speak to anyone who may have come into contact with Coyne under similar circumstances.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Det. Cst. Kate Bechard of the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2372.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
