Multiple women report being drugged while downtown, Sudbury, Ont., police say
Multiple women reported being drugged Saturday while visiting establishments in downtown Sudbury, city police said Wednesday.
"This past weekend, our service became aware that a number of female individuals in our community had ended up at Health Sciences North with signs and symptoms consistent of drugging," Det. Staff Sgt. Barry Ornella told CTV News.
"They were out at licensed establishments in our downtown, so this obviously led to our concern that there may be other individuals in the community who fell victim."
"At this point we are aware of three women who have come forward to police to share their experience," Ornella added.
"However, we have good reason to believe that there are others who have not yet reported. It's important that anyone who feels that they may have fallen victim to a drugging to attend the hospital and they have the capability to determine what substances may be in their system."
While the investigation continues to determine where the victims were drugged, police said it was important to alert the public.
"Symptoms can advance very quickly to a point where they’re not able to effectively communicate, they lose consciousness and they end up in a poor state very quickly," he said.
"So it's important to let other individuals know.”
A spokesperson for the downtown business association said the news is troubling on many levels.
"It’s extremely disturbing and it's very frustrating to hear, you know?" said Robbie Jones, Downtown Sudbury BIA co-chair.
"It's just very, very frustrating because we want this downtown to be a safe place and when you hear of these types of incidents happening, it really kind of ruins the vibe of what we’re trying to create. And it's scary."
In addition to the danger to the victims, Jones said this is another blow to the downtown already struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We’re trying really hard to attract people back to our beautiful downtown and we know that foot traffic helps make everything actually much safer," he said.
"Then when these incidents happen, it definitely does deter us from what we’re trying to do and we take it super seriously. We’re very upset about this and we’re actively working on solutions."
Common symptoms associated with being drugged include:
• Feeling or acting drunk despite having limited alcohol
• Feeling confused or disoriented
• Losing consciousness
• Being unable to remember details of the night
• Problems talking and slurred speech
• Trouble controlling your muscles
• Nausea and vomiting
Anyone who may have been drugged around the same time or who has information that could help the investigation is asked to report it by calling 705-675-9171, or through Crime Stoppers at 705-222-8477.
"Your personal safety and the safety of our community is of the utmost importance," police said.
"If you are going out, always go with someone you know and trust. Never leave your drink unattended. If you do, buy another drink. If you begin to experience symptoms associated (with) being drugged, tell a friend and leave the establishment. If your symptoms require medical attention, attend the hospital and please report the incident to police."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Potential tornado 'surreal' for residents who witnessed damaging storm in southern Ontario
Witnessing a potential tornado was 'surreal' for residents who caught a glimpse of the damaging storm in southern Ontario on Wednesday night.
Was this the bug that stung you? Wasp sightings revive murder-hornet concerns; no detections confirmed
As temperatures rise out of a mild El Nino winter, Canada's buggy season is already upon us again, and this year, the bugs are looking especially big.
Minister tables bill to extend citizenship rights to children born abroad
Immigration Minister Marc Miller tabled legislation today that is intended to extend citizenship to some children born outside of the country.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
Hundreds have applied for this 'adventurer' job in Banff National Park
Coined as Banff's 'ultimate summer job,' the Moraine Lake Bus Company says hundreds of people from across the world have applied for its adventurer position.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston, Ont.
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
Jennifer Lopez's response to question about Ben Affleck is a reminder of their decades of love in the spotlight
Plenty of people are wondering if Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are having problems in their marriage, but one person had the nerve to ask in a public forum.
U.S. Justice Department says illegal monopoly by Ticketmaster and Live Nation drives up prices for fans
The U.S. Justice Department filed a sweeping antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and parent company Live Nation Entertainment on Thursday, accusing them of running an illegal monopoly over live events in America -- squelching competition and driving up prices for fans.
Adding just 10% ultraprocessed foods to healthy diets may raise risk of cognitive decline, stroke
Eating more ultraprocessed foods is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and stroke, even if a person is trying to adhere to a Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet or the MIND diet, a new study found.