Ottawa police are thanking the public after poli ce sought -assistance in identifying a 19-year-old Ottawa man who allegedly assaulted a 14-year-old girl in Orléans on Tuesday.
In addition, police said the suspect has also been charged in relation to a similar attack from April 2024, also in the Orléans area.
In a release on Thursday, police said the victim was walking in the area of Princess Louise Drive and Thurlow Street at about 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday when the suspect grabbed her from behind, put his hands around her waist, covered her mouth and pulled her back towards him.
The victim was able to get away and was not physically injured. The suspect took off on foot.
Police say the suspect is charged with two counts of assault and two counts of forcible confinement.
He was to appear in court Friday.
Police remind parents to frequently review tips for children with respect to safety rules. Parents should teach kids what to do when approached by a stranger.
Where possible, avoid walking alone.
However, the following tips are offered to children walking alone:
- Ensure a family member or caregiver knows your route and arrival time;
- Do not talk to strangers;
- Do not accept rides from strangers;
- If an unknown adult is seeking your attention, do not approach them or the vehicle;
- If being followed, go to a public place, a known residence or shout for help.
Anyone with information as to the identity of this suspect, dash camera video, or surveillance footage of this incident is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service east criminal investigation section at 613-236-1222, ext. 3566.
Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.
Our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark our homepage and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed.