Police charge man in connection with assault in Northdale

A 25-year-old Kitchener man has been arrested and charged with the sexual assault of a woman that occurred around midnight on Nov. 30 on Hazel Street.

“At some point during the day yesterday we received some information from the community that led us to develop an identification on a suspect,” said Olaf Heinzel, public affairs co-ordinator for the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS).

Photo stills and video captured on surveillance footage at an area coffee shop were released to the public and appeals were made for help from the community to identify the suspect.

“They certainly helped bring some information in to our investigative branches and that in turn helped us lead us towards an individual who we then arrested,” said Heinzel of the photos that were published by the media.

The suspect was arrested on the evening of Dec. 1 and taken into custody. The individual was subsequently charged with sexual assault with a weapon and uttering threats. He was held in custody for a bail hearing which was expected to take place on Dec. 2.

Vice-president of student affairs David McMurray explained that steps have been taken in light of recent violent incidents in the Northdale area adjacent to campus. “General reminders have gone out to students notifying them of the incidents,” he said. “There have been reminders to use resources like Foot Patrol, to not be alone … and just to be totally aware.”

“Statistically, the area is viewed as a safe community,” he added. “It’s hard to say if these are isolated [incidents] or if it’s a growing problem overall.”

The female victim was treated at a local hospital and subsequently released.

Video footage captured from the coffee shop can be found here