Ottawa Police are looking for the public’s help in identifying a witness who may play a key role in helping catch a serial sexual predator.  Police released the photo of the witness today, along with an update on the investigation into the search for the predator.  Sgt. Richard Dugal, with the Ottawa Police Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit, says since a news conference January 9th, “Police have received approximately 350 public tips.  Each piece of information is important to this investigation. Whether it is about a person who is suspected because of his resemblance to the two composites and descriptors, his intimate or personal behaviors, previous incidents, reported or not.”

Four days before that news conference, another woman was sexually assaulted.  That attack took place on January 5 on Chapman Mills, in the Barrhaven area when a woman in her 20’s was grabbed by a man, led toward a secluded area, threatened and sexually assaulted.  Today police release a photo of a man they believe to be a witness to that assault.  His image was captured on video surveillance from a nearby store.

“The witness is described as a Caucasian male with dark facial hair,” says Sgt. Dugal.  “He was wearing a dark puffy jacket with zippers, a toque and light colored pants.  If you know this person, or you recognize yourself, please call our tip line at 613-236-1222, ext. 4774 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477.”

Since September 2013, police have identified over 120 persons of interest through public tips, police canvassing, crime analysis or other investigative avenues.  They have definitely linked three sexual assaults to the same suspect and at this point, including an assault  August 5, 2012 on Banner Road, June 26th, 2013 near Lancaster Road and October 7, 2013 on Aldea Avenue.  They have not made links to any of the other stranger sexual assaults on women in the last 18 months in Ottawa.  Police have once again released video of an attack inside 2600 Draper Avenue in March of 2013. 

“Each piece of information is important to this investigation,” added Dugal, “whether it is about a person who is suspected because of his resemblance to the two composites and descriptors, his intimate or personal behaviors, previous incidents, reported or not.”

“The investigative team is committed to solving these crimes, and once again we ask Ottawa residents to continue to provide us with tips to achieve this.”