Hamilton, Ontario – Hamilton Police have arrested a man suspected of committing two violent sexual assaults on the city’s West Mountain in 2022 and 2023. The first assault occurred on July 13, 2022, in the Upper Paradise and Donnici Drive area. According to authorities, a woman was forcibly taken from a trail, gagged, and restrained while being assaulted. Fortunately, the attack was interrupted by individuals passing by the area.
A year later, on August 7, 2023, a 74-year-old woman was assaulted in her home while she was sleeping. The assailant reportedly spent over an hour assaulting the victim before leaving the scene. Police were able to connect forensic evidence from both incidents to the same suspect in January of the following year.
The suspect, identified as Leikeze Cheruiyot, 22, was located living in the United States and has since been extradited back to Canada. Cheruiyot is now facing six charges, including two counts of forcible confinement, aggravated assault, sexual assault, and breaking and entering with the intention of committing sexual assault.
The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the case, bringing closure to the victims and their families. The diligent work of law enforcement in connecting the two assaults and tracking down the suspect demonstrates their commitment to ensuring justice is served.
Authorities urge anyone with information related to the case to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. Cheruiyot’s apprehension highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in different jurisdictions to bring perpetrators to justice and protect the community from further harm.