A 22-year-old man of Indian origin, Arshdeep Singh, has been arrested and charged in connection with the sexual assaults of three women that occurred in Brampton and Vaughan, Ontario, in early November 2024. Singh, who communicated with the victims in Punjabi during each of the incidents, has been charged with serious offenses, including kidnapping, sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault by strangulation, robbery, and uttering threats.
The sexual assaults occurred on November 8 and November 16, 2024, with Singh allegedly posing as a rideshare driver in all three instances. According to Peel Police, Singh was driving a black 4-door sedan when he offered the victims rides under the guise of being a legitimate rideshare operator. Once the victims entered his vehicle, Singh drove them to isolated or remote areas before sexually assaulting them.
In the first incident, which took place on November 8, a woman was waiting at a bus stop near Countryside Drive and Bramalea Road in Brampton. Singh, driving his black sedan, approached the victim and offered her a ride. She accepted, and Singh then drove her to a secluded area near Highway 27 and Nashville Road in Vaughan, where he sexually assaulted her.
Within an hour of the first assault, Singh approached a second woman waiting at a bus stop near Goreridge Crescent and Via Romano Way in Brampton. Again, he posed as a rideshare driver, offering her a ride. The victim was driven to a remote area near Highway 50 and Gore Road in Brampton, where she was assaulted.
The third incident of sexual assault occurred on November 16, when Singh targeted a third woman near Airport Road and Humberwest Parkway in Brampton. Singh once again offered a ride, this time driving a newer model sedan. He took the victim to a secluded location on Countryside Drive, just west of Airport Road, where the assault occurred.
Peel Regional Police were able to connect all three incidents and believed they were committed by the same individual. The use of Punjabi language by the suspect during the attacks became a crucial detail that helped law enforcement narrow down their investigation and ultimately led to Singh's arrest. Police were able to trace the suspect's vehicle and identify Singh as the perpetrator.
Singh has been held for a bail hearing and appeared in the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton. Authorities are continuing to investigate whether there could be more victims, and they have urged the public to come forward with any information that could assist in the case. Singh’s arrest has drawn significant attention, as it highlights the dangers associated with impersonating rideshare drivers, a crime that has raised concerns in multiple communities across North America.
The case is a reminder of the importance of safety precautions, particularly when accepting rides from individuals or vehicles that may not be affiliated with legitimate rideshare services. Peel Police have assured the public that they are fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and have pledged to continue working diligently on this case.
