Police released this image of a man sought in the case
Interviews with every taxicab company in Ottawa failed to locate a driver suspected of sexually assaulting a woman late last month and now the police want the public’s help.
On Saturday, June 23 at approximately 12:20 a.m., police say a man who was driving a taxi picked up a 34-year-old woman at the intersection of Clarence Street and Parent Avenue in the ByWard Market area. The man drove the victim to her residence and followed her inside the apartment where police allege he sexually assaulted her in the lobby, said Constable Isabelle Lemieux.
Although witnesses saw the woman get into a cab, there were no witnesses to the assault. Police don’t know what cab company the driver was with, but Lemieux said there was no reason to believe that he was not with a legitimate cab company.
Police describe the suspect as a Middle-Eastern man in his late 30s, approximately 5-foot-7 with a medium build and balding, short dark hair and a full beard. The man wore an orange or yellow shirt. He was also wearing baggy jeans. He spoke English with a heavy Lebanese accent.
Police are reminding women to be aware of their surroundings at all times.
“Don’t stay in isolated areas,” she said. “Avoid dark areas. If you have a cellphone, if you feel something’s suspicious, call someone.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Ottawa Police Acting Sergeant Gina Rosa at 613-236-1222 ext. 5759, or Crime Stoppers.
