Man charged after serious sexual assault near West End

WINNIPEG (CITYNEWS) – Police say they have arrested and charged a man with aggravated sexual assault in connection with an incident that took place Sept. 6 in Winnipeg.

Michael Curtis Thomas, 27, has also been charged with overcoming resistance by attempting to choke, suffocate or strangle another person, according to a Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) release.

On the morning of Sept. 6, police say an unknown male started a conversation with a woman near Sargent Avenue and Toronto Street.

The suspect then allegedly forced the woman into a nearby house where he attempted to sexually assault her.

“The victim was able to flee, however, the suspect caught up to her and pulled her into a breezeway next to a business where she was seriously sexually assaulted,” read the WPS release. “The arrival of a passerby caused the suspect to flee.”

The victim was treated in hospital and has since been released.

Police arrested Thomas on Sept. 16. He was detained in custody.