Ottawa police are investigating a disturbing daytime attack in the city's east end and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
What happened
According to police, a woman was pushing a stroller along a pathway on Tuesday afternoon when she was approached and sexually assaulted by a man who was carrying a knife. The attack has prompted an active investigation, with officers now working to identify and locate the suspect.
Ottawa police have not released further details about the exact location, the woman's condition, or a suspect description, but say the investigation is ongoing.
Police appeal for witnesses and footage
Investigators are asking anyone who was in the area on Tuesday afternoon, or anyone with dashcam, doorbell, or home security footage that might have captured the pathway, to contact Ottawa police. Witnesses who saw the man described, or who have any information about the incident, are also urged to come forward.
Police frequently rely on tips and footage from nearby homes and businesses to piece together timelines in cases like this, so even footage that seems unrelated could help investigators.
An Ottawa community on edge
News of an attack like this understandably rattles residents, especially those who use the city's extensive network of multi-use pathways daily to walk, run, or get around with kids in tow. Ottawa's pathway system is one of the most heavily used in the country, weaving through neighbourhoods, parks, and along the river, and many residents count on those routes feeling safe at any hour.
Incidents like this are a reminder for the community to stay alert, and for anyone with relevant information — no matter how small it might seem — to reach out to police rather than assume someone else will report it.
What to do if you have information
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers if residents prefer not to speak with police directly.
Ottown will continue to follow this story as police release more information.
Source: CBC Ottawa
