Wednesday, April 25, 2012

ROBBERIES AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS
At 4:45 PM on 24th Apr a man entered a small inner core retail store with a knife. While in the process of robbing the store he started to sexually assault the clerk. When she resisted he punched her several times, beating her until she managed to break free and ran from the store. The assailant then fled.

Police investigation identified the suspect as Wade Laporte 45yrs of Wyld St. North Bay Police subsequently initiated a city wide suspect search.

At 5:40 PM the same man entered a small retail store in the West Ferris area. He threatened the clerk and took money from the till. He sexually assaulted the clerk and when a man entered, he threatened the man with the knife, took his valuables and assaulted him. The assailant left the store a short time later.

Police located Laporte at 9:30 PM on Murray St at Jane St where he was arrested without incident. He is charged with 2 counts of robbery, 3 counts of forcible confinement, 2 counts of sexual assault with a weapon, 3 counts of assault with a weapon, 3 counts of possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, and 3 counts of uttering death threats.

He has been held in custody for a bail hearing.

Anyone with information on these or any other crimes are asked to call Near north Crime Stoppers at 476-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-222TIPS (8477). Submit tip online at our website www.nearnorthcrimestoppers.com. All tipsters remain anonymous