In a deeply unsettling incident, a 35-year-old Toronto man has been arrested after allegedly approaching multiple children during an elementary school soccer tournament — with disturbing behavior that has shocked the community.

The suspect, Leandro De Souza Barbosa, now faces two counts of assault and one count of committing an indecent act. Police say the incident happened around noon on Friday near St. Clair Avenue West and Caledonia Road.

What Allegedly Happened?

According to police reports:

  • He allegedly picked up a child and placed them on his shoulders. The child’s mother confronted him, prompting the man to put the child down.
  • He was then seen filming children on his phone, reportedly asking for personal details such as names, ages, phone numbers, and addresses.
  • In a chilling escalation, the man was allegedly spotted near a playground committing an indecent act.
  • He then grabbed another child by the arm, asking them to come with him. Thankfully, that child managed to break free and run for safety.
  • The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived.

Ongoing Investigation

Barbosa’s charges have not yet been proven in court, but the case has raised serious concerns about child safety at school events. Investigators believe there could be more victims who have not yet come forward.

What Parents Need to Know

Police are urging any witnesses or those with further information to contact investigators or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers. If your child attended the tournament or uses nearby parks/playgrounds, it may be wise to have a calm, open conversation about what they experienced or saw.

“Incidents like this are every parent’s nightmare,” one community member said. “We send our kids to school and sports thinking they’ll be safe.”

Safety Reminder

In light of this incident, parents and schools are reminded to:

  • Keep a close eye on who is present at public events.
  • Teach children about safe boundaries and how to seek help.
  • Ensure supervision ratios are appropriate for events with large groups of kids.

Final Thought

This isn’t just a one-off scare — it’s a reminder that vigilance matters. While the investigation continues, families are encouraged to stay informed, stay alert, and speak up if something doesn’t feel right.