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Para Transpo driver facing sexual assault charges
![ParaTranspo A ParaTranspo vehicle is seen driving through a residential neighbourhood in Ottawa on September 23, 2020.](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2020/9/24/paratranspo-1-5118205-1663178052265.png)
A Para Transpo driver is facing charges following an investigation into an alleged sexual assault of a passenger on a transit vehicle last winter.
The Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit launched an investigation into the alleged assault that occurred on Jan. 23.
"The accused – who was employed as a Para Transpo driver at the time – drove a lone vulnerable adult female passenger away from her regular route, parked and sexually assaulted her," police said.
Aung Thowai, 62, of Ottawa is facing charges of sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a person with a disability.
Police say investigators are concerned there may be other victims.
In a statement to CTV News Ottawa late Wednesday evening, OC Transpo said it took "immediate action" as soon as it was made aware of the allegations.
"The safety of our customers and employees always has been and continues to be OC Transpo’s top priority. Any allegation of violence or harassment on our transit network is taken seriously," Rami El Feghali, Director of Transit Bus Operations and Maintenance, said in a statement.
"OC Transpo is fully cooperating with Ottawa Police Service as part of their investigation. All disciplinary measures are determined in accordance with the City’s Discipline Policy and any relevant collective agreement or statutory requirements. In keeping with the City of Ottawa’s standard practice, the City does not comment on individual personnel matters."
Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 5944.
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