Woodstock Police arrest two following violent sexual assault: Victim remains in hospital with serious injuries

Woodstock Police have charged a 35-year-old London man with assault and sexual assault following a heavy police presence in the city on Sept. 16. Another man was charged with assault in connection with the male from London. (Lee Griffi Photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

Police have laid charges against two men after what they are calling a “violent incident” on the afternoon of Sept. 16.

A massive police presence occurred at 4 p.m. on Sept. 16 on Wellington Street after the report of a woman being assaulted and sexually assaulted.

“Members of the Woodstock Police Service Uniform Patrol, Emergency Response Unit, Criminal Investigations Branch and Street Crime Unit responded to the area of King Street and Wellington Street South following a report of a violent incident,” said a police press release.

“Upon arrival, officers located a female victim in the area who had sustained injuries. The investigation determined the female had been sexually assaulted and assaulted by a person known to her. Bystanders intervened and assisted the female. During the intervention, a male suspect was assaulted by intervening members of the public,” it added.

As a result of the investigation, a 35-year-old male from London was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and sexual assault. A 29-year-old from Woodstock was charged with assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Police say the latter was arrested for an alleged assault on the 35-year-old.

Police said they worked quickly to locate the assault suspect, who was arrested a short time later through the coordinated efforts of the responding units.

The investigation is continuing into other parties involved, and the victim was taken to hospital to be treated for serious injuries.

“This investigation is being led by the Woodstock Police Service's Special Victims Unit (SVU), which investigates offences involving vulnerable persons and victims of serious interpersonal crimes, including sexual assaults, human trafficking, intimate partner and domestic violence, and elder abuse. The SVU takes a trauma-informed, victim-centred approach and works with victims to connect them with appropriate community supports and services. Anyone experiencing violence or abuse is encouraged to reach out to police and local community support agencies,” added the release.

No word yet on when the pair will appear in court.