Man beats up woman after asking for cigarette in Bradford assault: Police

Security footage of an alleged assault in Bradford, Ont., on Sun., July 5, 2026. (Source: South Simcoe Police/Facebook)

South Simcoe Police are appealing to the public in their search for a man who allegedly assaulted a woman in the downtown area of Bradford last weekend.

According to the service, officers were called to an assault on Holland Street this past Sunday, which started with a male suspect approaching a woman and asking her for a cigarette.

Police say then became hostile towards her, assaulting her and knocking her down to the ground.

The suspect is described by police as a Hispanic man measuring between five-foot-eight and six feet tall. His clothing included a Boston Red Sox baseball cap, a white t-shirt, black knee-length athletic shorts, white socks, grey running shoes, and an earring in his left ear.

The service released photos of him on social media. Police say he is known to frequent the downtown area of Bradford and was last seen inside a nearby restaurant.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information that can help the ongoing investigation is asked to contact PC Melody Carroll at [e-mail].

Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.