Woman assaulted, robbed

Police are turning to the public to help them catch a man they say punched a woman in the face and stole her cellphone.

At approximately 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, police responded to the area of Simcoe Street South and Gibb Street. According to police, a 37-year-old woman was waiting outside for a friend when a male started a conversation with her, asking if he could borrow her cellphone. The male suspect then grabbed the phone and punched the woman in the face.

Police say the suspect was last seen heading west on Gibb.

The victim suffered a minor injury to her face that did not require medical attention.

The suspect is described as white, between 20 and 25 years old and approximately five feet and seven inches tall with a medium build. He was last seen with brown hair, and was wearing a black coat, a blue shirt and jeans.

Anyone with further information on this investigation is asked to call Det. Sitaram at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 2741.

Anonymous tips can be made to Durham Region Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca. Tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.