Barrie police issue warning after two sexual assaults in last week

January 19, 2015

Two women in the sex trade have been sexually assaulted at knifepoint within the last week.

Barrie police are warning all women involved in the sex trade industry to be extremely cautious when dealing with male clients.

Police are investigating two sexual assaults where the women were assaulted at knifepoint. According to police, on both occasions, the male suspect had responded to Internet advertisements via social media.

Sgt. John Parcells said the assaults took place at two Barrie hotels, the first on Tuesday Jan. 13 and the second on Thursday Jan. 15.

"We were initially investigating one occurrence and it was through that investigation that we found a second victim, and we had to track that second victim down," he said. "She never did make a complaint until we spoke to her.

"A lot of these girls, when they're victimized, don't phone the police. 99% of them don't call the police but the use of a knife is a step up. The knife is not good."

Parcells said police are reaching out to the women in the local sex trade to find the suspect.

"A lot of the girls have had bad experiences in the past and they haven't had the best relationship with the police, so they're a little hesitant in calling us," he said. "We're here to help them. We're not out to prosecute them or go after them. I'm hoping more victims are going to come forward.

"We're just trying to ensure their safety and catch this guy before something else happens," he said.

According to police, the suspect would meet the female victims at local hotels in Barrie and sexually assault them while armed with a knife.

He has yet to be identified and is believed to be still in Barrie.

The suspect is described as white, clean shaven, 30 to 45 years-old with short, dark hair. He is approximately five-foot three to five-foot six inches tall, weighing 250 pounds with a heavy build. Police say he may speak with a speech impediment or lisp.

"We're trying our best to identify this guy," Parcells said. "He's got a distinctive look and with that speech impediment or lisp, I'm hoping it will stir up something and the tips will start coming in."

Officers are gathering surveillance videos and conducting interviews as part of the investigation.

"We've got a couple of leads we're going to run down and we'll go from there," he added.

Anyone with information is asked to call Parcells at Barrie police at 705-725-7025 ext 2758 or they can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/2015/01/18/police-issue-warning-after-sexual-assaults