Police arrest one suspect, seek others in sex attack
Ottawa Police have made an arrest in the sexual assault of a young woman that began at the Blair Road transit station early on Aug. 11.
The victim had been waiting at the station at 5 a.m. that Sunday when she was approached by four men who offered her money for sex.
When she refused, they took her to a secluded area in the 1600 block of James Naismith Drive, then robbed and sexually assaulted her.
A security guard called police when he heard the woman screaming.
Police said Wednesday afternoon they had arrested one man.
Hanten Hersi, 19, of Ottawa has been charged with aggravated sexual assault, forcible confinement, failing to comply with judicial release, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching and intimidation.
He was scheduled to appear in court Thursday.
Police also released photos in an attempt to identify three other suspects.
The description police initially provided of the suspects was of four black males, approximately 18 to 20 years old and six feet tall with short black hair. They spoke English and an unidentified foreign language. ❚ The first suspect was wearing a black T-shirt with stripes and black pants;
❚ The second suspect was wearing a blue-and-white-striped T-shirt, dark pants and a white ball cap;
❚ The third suspect was wearing a dark-coloured, long-sleeve shirt with white lettering, dark pants and a white ball cap;
❚ The fourth suspect was wearing a black T-shirt.
Police ask anyone with information to contact the sexual assault and child abuse unit at 613-2361222, ext. 5944, or Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-(800)-222-8477.