K9 Unit to the rescue as assault suspect tracked and arrested on Clarington trail

The K9 unit came through for Durham Police and a Clarington assault victim Thursday evening after a woman walking her dog was grabbed by a man on a trail near Baseline Road and Lake Ontario.

The woman was on a marked trail just after 8 p.m. when a man tried to initiate a conversation before grabbing her and pulling her into a wooded area. The woman struggled and the man fled on foot.

Officers searched the area and with assistance of the K-9 Unit, the man, Travis Rodrigues, 24, of Clarington, was found nearby and arrested.

Rodrigues is charged with assault causing bodily harm and forcible confinement. He was held for a bail hearing.

Investigators are looking for any witnesses that may have seen anything in relation to this investigation to contact A/Det. Elaine Duguay of the East Division Criminal Investigations Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1642.