A 35-year-old Whitby man has been charged with sexual assault following an incident involving a woman he met through a Facebook dating application. The Toronto Police Service announced the arrest on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Details of the Incident
Police allege that John Haylock met the victim through the dating feature on Facebook and arranged to meet her in person. During their encounter, the woman was reportedly sexually assaulted. The alleged assault took place in Toronto, though specific location details have not been disclosed to protect the victim's identity.
Haylock was taken into custody without incident and now faces one count of sexual assault. He is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
Police Appeal for Additional Victims
Investigators believe there may be other individuals who have had similar experiences with Haylock. The Toronto Police Service is urging anyone with information or who may have been a victim to come forward. Detective Constable Sarah Mitchell stated, “We encourage anyone who has been affected to contact us. Your safety and privacy are our top priorities.”
Online Dating Safety Reminders
This case highlights the importance of safety when using online dating platforms. Police offer the following tips:
- Meet in public places for the first few encounters.
- Inform a friend or family member of your plans.
- Trust your instincts and leave if you feel uncomfortable.
- Use the platform's built-in safety features, such as location sharing.
The investigation remains ongoing.
