Winnipeg police charge man in violent “random” sexual assault
A Winnipeg woman was the victim of a “random and unprovoked” sexual assault at an apartment building, according to police.
A Winnipeg woman was the victim of a “random and unprovoked” sexual assault at an apartment building, according to police.
Winnipeg Police Service officers arrested 18-year-old Malachi Christian Bittern at an apartment building on Mandalay Drive late Saturday evening.
Police say Bittern and the victim were not known to one another and the incident is believed to be random and unprovoked.
“The victim, in her 30’s, reported that at 10:20 p.m., BITTERN followed her into the apartment building lobby where he grabbed her in an unwanted sexual manner,” said WPS in a press release.
“He began punching her repeatedly, and fled from the building before she called police. She sustained minor injuries, but did not require further medical attention.”
Bittern fled the building just before the woman called police, but was quickly apprehended outside and arrested “without incident.”
He has been charged with sexual assault, assault causing bodily harm and three breaches of a release order. Police also arrested him on the strength of a warrant.
Bittern remains in custody. None of the charges have been proven in court.