Oshawa man charged with sexual assault after groping incident near Durham College

A police investigation has led to the arrest of an Oshawa man wanted in a sexual assault that happened last month near Durham College in the city’s north end.

Police say a man groped a woman while she trying to get on a bus near the main entrance to the college on Simcoe Street North on the afternoon of August 28. The man, police allege, then followed the woman onto the bus and attempted to sit with her. She was able to sit near the driver for safety and called police.

Investigators were able to identify the suspect and took him into custody Friday.

Ved Pratikbhai Patel, 19, is charged with sexual assault and criminal harassment. He was released on a promise to appear in court.

Anyone with cellphone, dashcam, surveillance footage, or information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Fitzgerald of the Special Victims Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5316.

“If you are sexually assaulted or you witness someone being sexually assaulted on public transit, call police immediately,” a statement from Durham Police said. Victims are also advised to draw attention to the incident, inform the bus driver, and make note of the bus number and suspect’s description.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.