Traffic complaint about commercial driver leads to arrest of man accused of sexual assault, intimate partner violence

Resources for people experiencing violence Following the death of a woman in Sudbury due to an act of intimate partner violence, groups are calling for an awareness of resources.

A 24-year-old man accused of a dozen intimate partner violence-related crimes was arrested during a traffic stop in northwestern Ontario.

Officers with the Dryden detachment pulled over a commercial driver on Government Street in Dryden just before 9 a.m. Feb. 28 after receiving a complaint that he was passing others unsafely, Ontario Provincial Police told CTV News in an email.

In addition to being charged with careless driving, he is also accused of not updating his address on his driver's licence as required by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

OPP confirmed he currently lives in Winnipeg, Man.

Included in his list of charges from Wednesday are two counts of both sexual and spousal assault, sexual assault causing bodily harm, overcoming resistance by attempting to choke, suffocate or strangle someone, forcible confinement and assault causing bodily harm by choking, suffocating or strangling.

When the OPP was asked when and where the sexual assaults allegedly occurred, it said no further details would be provided at this time as it is an ongoing investigation.

The accused, whose name is not being released by police to protect the victim's identity, has been held in custody and is scheduled to appear in court March 1.

"Individuals experiencing intimate partner violence are not alone," OPP said.

"If you or someone you are aware of requires assistance, there are local resources ready to provide support. The OPP is available at 1-888-310-1122 throughout the province of Ontario. In cases of immediate danger, please dial 9-1-1 for prompt assistance."

If you or know someone needs help, there are local resources available: