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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.