COCHRANE - An Alberta resident arrested twice in one night is accused of forcibly confining a teenager at a hotel, where police say they later tried to suffocate their intimate partner. The accused was also released from police custody twice after separate bail hearings for each of the alleged violent incidents.
The serious incidents happened at a Railway Street hotel in Cochrane, said James Bay OPP.
The first incident happened on Jan. 4. OPP was called to the hotel around 9 p.m. and says a 14-year-old victim who did not know the accused was assaulted and forcibly confined in a common area of the hotel.
A 49-year-old from Chestermere, Alberta, was arrested and charged with forcible confinement and assault with a weapon. Police say the accused was released from custody with conditions and a future court date.
Hours later — around 3 a.m. on Jan. 5 — police say first responders received an intimate partner violence call at the same hotel.
"The investigation revealed that the same accused party had physically assaulted and attempted to suffocate an intimate partner," said OPP in a news release.
The 49-year-old was then arrested and charged with:
- Assault causing bodily harm - choke, suffocate or strangle
- Assault - spousal
- Forcible confinement
- Criminal harassment - threatening conduct
The accused was released from police custody after another bail hearing and is scheduled to appear in a Cochrane court later this month.
Police have not named the accused to protect the identity of the victim. None of the charges have been tested in court, and the accused is considered innocent unless proven guilty.
"If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help and support are available. You are not alone. Contact the Cochrane District Victim Services 24-hour crisis line at 1-877-264-4208 for assistance and guidance. In emergencies, call 9-1-1 immediately," said police.