Police looking to identify suspect in Gage Park sex assault

Hamilton police are asking the public for help identifying a suspect wanted after a 14-year-old boy was sexually assaulted in Gage Park earlier this month.

The boy was approached by a man near the fountain and slapped on the buttocks around 6 p.m. July 1, police said.

The suspect had a brief conversation with the teen before the assault.

Police said they have been investigating since the incident was reported, but have not been able to identify the suspect.

He is described as a white man, 30 to 40 years old, five-foot-eight, tanned with a heavy build and short brown hair. He wore a light blue plaid shirt, beige cargo shorts and was travelling on a mountain bike with the seat raised to handlebar height.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Carmen Pietroniro at 905-546-3856.

To remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.

Nicole O'Reilly is a Hamilton-based reporter covering crime and justice for The Spectator. Reach her via email: noreilly@thespec.com