Barrie police have arrested a man wanted who was wanted in connection to two sexual assault cases where victims were allegedly lured through online dating sites.
On April 3, detectives from the local police department's crimes against persons unit, assisted by uniformed officers and members of the tactical support unit, attended a residence in the Essa Road and Loggers Run area and executed a search warrant, according to a police news release issued April 12.
A 19-year-old man, whom police say was wanted in an ongoing sexual assault investigation, was located and arrested at the scene without incident.
The man was transported to police headquarters on Fairview Road and later remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear next week in Barrie court for a bail hearing.
Police officials say their subsequent investigation resulted in the man being charged with a number of weapon- and assault-related offences involving two different victims.
In both instances, after meeting these women through online dating applications and upon meeting them in person, police allege he assaulted them while brandishing a firearm.
Barrie police say they are concerned that other females may have had similar experiences with the male suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 705-725-7025, ext. 2931 or 2932.
A photograph of the man has also been distributed by police in the news release. However, his name was not released due to a court-imposed publication ban.
Police said no further details will be released regarding the investigation.
None of the allegations have been tested in court.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or p3tips.com.
