Victoria police officers (VicPD) on Tuesday, July 23 arrested a man they believe was the assailant in what the force said was a violent sexual assault last week.
VicPD on Monday made a public call for information for a man that threatened then physically and sexually assaulted a woman near Wharf Street and Pandora Avenue in the early hours of July 19.
"Given the violent nature of this sexual assault, officers have concerns for public safety," police said at the time.
Investigators identified the suspect before finding and arresting him in the 500-block of Ellice Street on Tuesday evening. Detectives also conducted a search warrant which police said secured evidence related to the offence.
Police said they cannot name the suspect as charges have not yet been sworn. The man was released after being given conditions that police said will maintain public safety. VicPD said its officers are working to process and analyze evidence with the goal of recommending charges to prosecutors.
VicPD thanked those who provided information and CCTV footage in relation to the offence.
“It takes a tremendous amount of bravery and courage for survivors to report incidents of sexualized violence, so we take our responsibility to investigate sexual assaults very seriously.” VicPD spokesperson Terri Healy said in a Wednesday news release.
