TORONTO — A Toronto man accused of holding a woman captive for five days and subjecting her to sexual assaults that included “ritualistic actions” has been charged with multiple offences.
Police said a man carrying a firearm approached a 27-year-old woman on March 31 in downtown Toronto for a “business transaction.” He then brought her to a home in the city’s east end, where she was bound with duct tape and handcuffs and sexually assaulted several times, police said.
There was “some form of ritualistic actions involved in the crime,” Toronto Police Inspector Joanna Beaven-Desjardins said in a news conference.
“He did do things that we are very unfamiliar with,” she said, but would not elaborate.
The woman, who police said is a sex worker, managed to escape through the front door five days later and sought help from a passerby.
“She’s in good condition now...she’s recovering,” Beaven-Desjardins said.
Rejean Hermel Perron, 43, was arrested Monday and charged with sexual assault with a weapon, kidnapping, forcible confinement and assault.
Investigators said he is known to police but gave no further details.
Police said he is originally from Timmins, Ont., but has spent time in Chatham and London, and has been living in Toronto for 10 years.
They said the investigation continues and anyone with information is asked to come forward.