Ottawa's Police Chief issued a rare city-wide alert on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014 searching for a suspect linked to at least three sexual assaults.

“We are asking the public to take at look at the two artists’ renderings of the suspect, read his description and the description of the crimes and consider whether this is someone they know and whether they have information about these cases,” said Chief Charles Bordeleau. “

In an afternoon news conference, the Chief released suspect sketches and maps.

The assaults have taken place in different parts of the city over the last 17 months.

Police believe just one suspect is responsible for three stranger attacks. He may be linked to as many as 7 other sexual assaults. 

“Someone knows this individual and may even suspect something already. We need their help to protect potential future victims and to identify the individual responsible,” he says

The linked sexual assault cases are:

  • August 5, 2012 at approximately 3 a.m. – sexual assault of a woman at her home on Banner Road;
  • June 26, 2013 at approximately 10 p.m. – sexual assault on a footpath between Lancaster Road and Erinbrook Crescent;
  • October 7, 2013 at approximately 9:50 p.m. – sexual assault of a woman on Aldea Avenue near Lasalle Street.

All female victims were between the ages of 18 and 30 and were walking alone at the time of the attacks.

Police issued the following suspect description:

  • Possibly of Middle Eastern descent, short dark hair, spoke English and possibly a foreign language, 20-30 years old, 5’9” to 5’11” (175 to 180cm), slim to medium build, trimmed facial hair, thick eyebrows and a prominent nose.

According to some witness statements, he takes care of his appearance, is a neat or fashionable dresser; and in the most recent case, he was described as toned, athletic build with broad shoulders.

In the three linked cases the victims were choked. The individual may show a preference for this type of behavior in his personal and intimate relationships.

“If you suspect this is someone you know or if you have information about these cases call us at 613-236-1222, extension 4774,” said Chief Bordeleau. “If you want to report information anonymously, you can call Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477.”