A man was released on bail twice in one night in connection with brutal assaults

COCHRANE – An Alberta man arrested twice in one night is accused of forcibly locking a teenager in a hotel where police say he later tried to strangle his partner. The defendant was also released from police custody twice after separate bail hearings for each of the alleged violent incidents.

The serious incident occurred at the Railway Street Hotel in Cochrane, James Bay OPP said.

The first incident occurred on January 4. OPP were called to the hotel around 9 p.m. and say the 14-year-old victim, who was unaware the defendant was attacked and forcibly held in a common area of ​​the hotel.

A 49-year-old man from Chestermere, Alberta, was arrested and charged with forcible confinement and aggravated assault. Police say the accused has been released from custody with certain conditions and a future court date.

A few hours later – around 3 a.m. on January 5 – police say emergency services received a report of intimate partner violence at the same hotel.

“The investigation revealed that the same defendant physically assaulted and attempted to strangle an intimate partner,” the OPP said in a news release.

Then the 49-year-old was arrested and charged:

• Assault causing bodily harm – strangulation, suffocation
• Assault – spouse
• Forced closure
• Criminal harassment – ​​threatening behavior

The defendant was released from police custody following another bail hearing and is due to appear before Cochrane Magistrates later this month.

Police did not release the accused’s name to protect the victim’s identity. None of the charges have been tried in court and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

“If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help and support is available. You are not alone. Contact Cochrane District Victim Services’ 24-hour crisis line at 1-877-264-4208 for help and guidance. call 9-1-1 immediately,” police said.