Sault suspects charged with sexually assaulting victim after encountering them on the street

Warning: This story has details that some people may find disturbing.

Two people in Sault Ste. Marie are facing numerous charges after a victim was assaulted, burned and sexually assaulted earlier this month in Sault Ste. Marie.

The victim was seriously injured in the attack but managed to escape when the attackers fell asleep.

The victim knew one of the attackers, police said in a news release Tuesday.

The incident began July 20 when the victim encountered the pair during a walk in the area of Allard Street and Chapple Avenue.

“The second accused assaulted the victim to force the victim to walk with them,” police said.

“Near Bruce Street, the second accused pushed the victim to the ground and the first accused assaulted and sexually assaulted them.”

The suspects then forced the victim into a vacant residence on Wellington Street “where they again assaulted and sexually assaulted them with and without a firearm, burned them and verbally threatened them,” police said.

“The victim was able to escape and seek help once the two accused fell asleep. The victim sustained serious physical injuries and was transported to hospital.”

The first accused was arrested July 20 near the vacant residence and was charged with sexual assault using a weapon, unauthorized weapons possession, forcible confinement and failing to comply with a probation order.

On July 24 they were charged with more offences, including two counts of sexual assault, overcoming resistance by attempting to choke or strangle a victim and uttering death threats.

The first accused is being held in custody.

The second suspect was arrested July 24 and charged with the same offences, except the probation violation. They are being held in custody pending a bail hearing.

If you have been the victim of sexual assault, there is help available. Contact the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres. At Sault Area Hospital, the Sexual Assault/Partner Assault Care Team is on call 24/7 and consists of a specially trained group of professionals available for medical concerns through the emergency department, as well as counselling services by appointment.

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