South Shore man arrested in violent sexual assault in wooded area of Hochelaga, Montreal
A 36-year-old South Shore man is facing several serious charges, including assault by choking, suffocating and strangling, over a violent sexual assault in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve earlier this month.
Overnight between May 4 an May 5, a 33-year-old woman was walking alone along Notre-Dame St. East, in Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, when someone suddenly grabbed her by her backpack and dragged her into a nearby wooded area, police said in a release Friday.
He strangled her by twisting something around her neck and then ripped her pants, police said.
The victim fought back with all her strength, however, and managed to flee from the attacke. In shock, she left the woods and boarded a bus.
Shortly after, patrol officers were called to help her and to make sure she was seen in hospital.
Specialized sexual assault investigators began to look for the "dangerous" suspect and made an arrest May 20.
They found David Catudal, 36, at his home in Saint-Constant, working in close collaboration with the local Roussillon police, they said.
He has appeared at the Montreal courthouse on charges of sexual assault causing bodily harm; forcible confinement, and assault by choking, suffocating and strangling a victim, police said.
He's still in detention while he awaits trial.
Police were able to find Catudal after reconstructing the route the victim took and, from there, identifying the suspect "thanks to various investigative techniques."
They disseminated information about him to other police and to the prison system, finally zeroing in on the suspect in Monteregie.
Montreal police said they wanted to remind the public that anyone who has experienced a sexual assault can communicate directly with the specialized sexual assault squad at 514-280-8502.
Anyone with information about a suspect or victim in a sexual assault also has the chance to anonymously and confidentally report the incident at 514 393-1133.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.