Toronto police have released a warning about a high-risk offender they say poses a risk to the community and children who has been released from prison earlier this month.
Toronto police have released a warning about a high-risk offender they say poses a risk to the community and children who has been released from prison earlier this month.
On March 14, Simon Gares, 43 was released from prison to reside in a community-based residential facility in Toronto on statutory release.
In 2019, police say Gares was convicted of assault causing bodily harm and found to be a Dangerous Offender.
Court documents show Gares’ victim was a five-year-old child who, in 2016, was assaulted while entering a bakery with his mother and brother.
Multiple witnesses reported seeing Gares kick the child with great force, the documents show.
Court documents show the young child was rendered temporarily unconscious and taken to hospital.
Police say Gares is subject to a long-term supervision order and a lifetime weapons prohibition order.
In 2024, police say Gares was convicted of breaching his long-term supervision order and was incarcerated until earlier this month.
While on statutory release, Gares has numerous conditions, including not entering drinking establishments, not consuming alcohol, not consuming drugs, and following a treatment plan.
The Toronto Police Service says it is notifying the public about Gares because of his demonstrated risk to the community and children.
Anyone with information about Gares asked by police or Crime Stoppers.
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