Sault News: Suspects charged with sexually assaulting victim after meeting her on the street

Warning: This story contains details that some people may find disturbing.

Two people in Sault Ste. Marie have faced numerous charges after a victim was attacked, burned and sexually assaulted in Sault Ste. Marie earlier this month.

The victim was seriously injured in the attack, but was able to escape when the attackers fell asleep.

The victim knew one of the attackers, police said in a press release on Tuesday.

The incident began on July 20 when the victim encountered the two while walking in the area of ​​Allard Street and Chapple Avenue.

“The second defendant attacked the victim to force her to go with them,” police said.

“Near Bruce Street, the second defendant pushed the victim to the ground and the first defendant attacked and sexually assaulted her.”

The suspects then drove the victim to a vacant apartment building on Wellington Street, “where they again attacked and sexually assaulted him with and without a firearm, inflicted burns and verbally threatened him,” police said.

“The victim was able to escape and get help after the two defendants fell asleep. The victim suffered serious physical injuries and was taken to hospital.”

The first defendant was arrested on July 20 near the vacant home and charged with sexual assault with a weapon, illegal possession of a weapon, false imprisonment and failure to comply with probation.

On July 24, they were charged with additional offenses, including two counts of sexual assault, overcoming resistance by attempting to choke or strangle a victim, and making death threats.

The first defendant is in custody.

The second suspect was arrested on July 24 and charged with the same offenses, except for the probation violation. They are being held in custody pending a bail hearing.

If you are a victim of sexual violence, help is available. Contact the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres. At the Sault Area Hospital, the Sexual Assault/Partner Assault Care Team operates 24 hours a day and is a specially trained group of professionals who are available through the emergency department for medical concerns and also provide counselling services by appointment.

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